Gilbert Unclaimed Property

Gilbert residents can search for unclaimed money through the Arizona Department of Revenue at no cost. The town does not operate its own unclaimed property database. All lost funds from Gilbert flow to the state. As one of the fastest growing communities in Arizona, Gilbert has many new residents who may have left money behind in other states as well as longtime locals with forgotten accounts.

How to Search Gilbert Unclaimed Money

Visit missingmoney.com to begin. This is Arizona's official unclaimed property portal. Type your name and pick Arizona from the list. Results appear instantly. Matches show the holder name and type of property. Dollar amounts stay private until you file a claim. The search is free and unlimited.

Gilbert has grown rapidly. Many residents moved here from other states. If you relocated to Gilbert recently, search your previous state too. Property reports based on your address when the account went dormant. Someone who moved from California to Gilbert should check both states. Property could be waiting in either location.

Try maiden names, nicknames, and business names in your search. Database records often contain spelling errors or outdated information. A name like Christopher might appear as Chris or Kris. Women should search all married names they have used. Business owners need to check company names and DBAs. Search for deceased relatives since heirs can claim their property.

New property enters the database weekly. Businesses report dormant accounts throughout the year. A search that finds nothing today might show results next month. Make a habit of checking every few months to catch new entries. Property remains claimable for 35 years.

Types of Unclaimed Property in Gilbert

Bank accounts make up a large share. Checking and savings accounts become dormant after three years. CDs and money orders follow the same rule. People open accounts and forget about them when they switch banks. Small balances get left behind. Over time, those funds transfer to the state database.

Uncashed checks are common. Payroll checks become unclaimed after one year. With many tech companies and businesses in the Gilbert area, workers who changed jobs may have old wages in the system. Refund checks and dividend payments end up there too. Commission checks, bonus payments, and vendor rebates can all become unclaimed.

Insurance proceeds and securities also flow to the state. Life insurance benefits go unclaimed when beneficiaries cannot be found. The policyholder dies and family never knew about the coverage. These claims can be worth thousands of dollars. Stock dividends become unclaimed when mail bounces back. After several failed deliveries, the company turns over the shares.

Utility deposits accumulate over time. Electric, gas, and water companies hold deposits that customers never reclaim. When accounts close and the company cannot find the customer, those deposits go to the state. Security deposits from landlords work the same way. Safe deposit box contents get turned over after years of unpaid rent. Gift cards become state property after five years of inactivity.

Filing Claims in Gilbert

After finding property, file through ADOR. Arizona uses four forms:

• Form 600A for original owners
• Form 600B for heirs
• Form 600C for businesses
• Form 600D for agents

Download at azdor.gov/forms/unclaimed-property-forms. Include photo ID and proof of address. Old utility bills, bank statements, and tax returns help prove the address was yours. Make copies of everything you submit.

Heir claims require additional documentation. You need the death certificate of the original owner. Proof of your relationship to the deceased must be included. Birth certificates connect parents and children. Marriage certificates link spouses. When multiple heirs exist, all may need to sign or one person needs court authorization.

Processing takes about 90 days. Simple claims with complete documentation may move faster. Complex claims with estate issues take longer. Payment arrives by mail after approval. The state sends a confirmation letter when they receive your claim and a decision letter when they finish reviewing it.

Avoiding Unclaimed Money Scams

Watch for fraud. Scammers claim to have found your money and ask for fees. Arizona never charges for searches or claims. The state does not require payment to release your property. If someone asks for money upfront, that is a scam. Real letters do not include dollar amounts. You only see how much property is worth after filing a claim.

The state does not cold call people about unclaimed money. Phone calls claiming you have funds waiting are likely scams. Emails requesting your bank account or Social Security number are fraudulent. Never share personal financial information with people who contact you unexpectedly.

Legitimate heir finders exist. They research unclaimed property and contact potential heirs for a fee. These fees can reach 35% of the claim value. You can file the same claim yourself at no cost. If someone contacts you about unclaimed money, verify the property exists first by searching missingmoney.com. Call ADOR at (602) 364-0380 to verify any contact. Report fraud to the Arizona Attorney General.

Gilbert and Maricopa County

Gilbert is in Maricopa County. The county treasurer handles property taxes, but regular unclaimed money goes through the state.

Contact Information

For unclaimed property help, contact ADOR. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Phone: (602) 364-0380 or (877) 492-9957. Email: UnclaimedProperty@azdor.gov.

Mail claims to PO Box 29026, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9026.

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