If you live in San Diego County, there’s a chance that some of the over $800,000 in unclaimed money could belong to you.
These unclaimed funds, accumulated from various sources, are just waiting to be claimed by their rightful owners.
Whether it’s from a forgotten tax refund, an uncashed check, or other overlooked payments, this money could provide a much-needed financial boost.
Here’s how you can find out if any of it belongs to you and how to claim it before it’s too late.
Why Is So Much Money Unclaimed?
You might wonder how such a large amount of money ends up unclaimed.
It often comes from sources like overpaid taxes, refunds that were never collected, or payments that weren't processed correctly.
Sometimes, people move or change their contact information, and the checks simply don’t reach them.
Over time, these funds accumulate, and they remain with the county until someone steps forward to claim them.
How to Check if You’re Owed Money
Checking if you have unclaimed money in San Diego County is easy and could be worth your time. The county offers a simple online search tool where you can enter your name and see if any funds are waiting for you.
- San Diego County Unclaimed Money: Start your search by visiting the San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector's Unclaimed Money Search page.
- Statewide Search: For funds that might be held elsewhere in California, use the California State Controller's Office Unclaimed Property page.
Don’t Miss the Deadline to Claim
If you find that you are owed money, it’s important to act quickly. Under California state law, unclaimed funds that remain with the county for three years, or property tax refunds unclaimed for four years, are transferred to the county’s general fund.
You have until September 22 to file a claim before the money is rolled into this fund, making it much harder to retrieve.
To claim your funds, you’ll need to submit a claim form along with proof of identity and any other required documentation.
The process is straightforward, but it can take a few weeks to complete.
Spread the Word
San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector Dan McAllister urges residents to check the unclaimed money list and spread the word to friends and family.
"We want all of this money returned to San Diegans," he says. "Please inform others to visit sdttc.com and see if they have funds waiting."
Unclaimed funds can offer a surprising financial boost, so take a few minutes to see if any of this money is yours.
With just a little effort, you could be reclaiming funds you didn’t even know you had. Don’t let the opportunity slip away—your money is waiting!
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