One in four Arkansans are owed money from things ranging from utility deposits, stocks, or even items left behind in safe deposit boxes. Arkansas State Auditor Dennis Milligan says that the average person gets around $100.00 per claim.
It is the mission of the Arkansas Auditor of State to return unclaimed property to its rightful owners or heirs. Each year, businesses and government agencies also known as “holders” report millions of dollars to the state. Then the state does it’s part to attempt to reunite owners with their lost assets. Even with their efforts, most people do not know about the unclaimed funds search set up by the state. According to the state unclaimed property can include, but is not limited to, savings and checking accounts, unpaid wages or commissions, stocks, bonds, utility deposits, insurance proceeds, cashier’s checks, money orders, and contents of safe deposit boxes.
Only the owner, estate, or lawful heir of the property may file a claim. There is no fee to file a claim. The fastest and most efficient way to check to see if you have unclaimed property is to search the State of Arkansas’ database at claimitar.gov. Most claims can easily be filed on the website but if you need further assistance, you may also call 1-800-CLAIMIT (1-800-252-4648) to have an Unclaimed Property Representative help you file your claim.