Wisconsin Unclaimed Property: How to Search and Claim for Free

How to search for Wisconsin unclaimed property

The official search is at tap.revenue.wi.gov/UCPSearch.¹ The program's information pages are at revenue.wi.gov.⁹

Which names and places to try: how to search well.

Fast-track and automatic payments

• Automatic payment, no claim needed: each year DOR matches unclaimed property to tax records and mails a check automatically when the matched amount is $2,000 or less; above $2,000, or for tangible property (safe deposit contents, savings bonds, shares), it mails an 'Action Required' letter instead.¹⁰

Property the state program does not hold

These official bodies keep their own records, searched separately:

• County Treasurers (unclaimed funds of courts and municipalities): Unclaimed funds held by local courts and municipalities stay with the County Treasurer of that county and are not sent to DOR.⁴
• Unclaimed Child Support (Department of Children and Families, Bureau of Child Support): revenue.wi.gov/…. Undeliverable child support checks; searchable PDF list; claim on DCF form 13124 'Request for Abandoned Funds' signed before a notary and mailed to DCF (PO Box 7935, Madison, WI 53707-7935, (608) 266-9909).¹¹

How to claim unclaimed property in Wisconsin, step by step

Claims can be filed online on the official site.² Cost: Free; DOR charges nothing.⁶

1. Search by name OR by Property ID (not both) at the online search; click "Add" next to each property to put it in your claim (up to 20 properties per claim, one owner per claim).¹²
2. File the claim online: say whether a locator is filing, choose your relationship to each property, enter your name, SSN or Wisconsin driver's license number, date of birth, phone, email and address. You can save a draft (confirmation code valid 60 days).¹²
3. Attach documents (at least one, preferably government ID), choose direct deposit or paper check, sign the agreement by typing your name, and record the confirmation number.¹²
4. Track the claim with the confirmation or claim number plus ZIP code; allow up to 12 weeks for review.¹²

• Notary: DOR's online claim steps include no notary step (claimant affirms by typing their name). Form UCP-150 Release by Co-owner and the DOR-hosted Affidavit of Heirship carry notary blocks. DOR's separate Unclaimed Child Support form must be notarized.¹²
• Interest: Yes. DOR pays simple interest on money it pays to a claimant, for the time it held the property, at the federal long-term rate (IRC sec. 1274(d)) in effect on December 31 of the year before the claim is paid. No interest on money under $100, on property recovered by a holder, on property paid to another state, or for periods before January 2, 2019, except that property received before that date which was interest-bearing as reported by the holder earned up to 6% per year until January 1, 2019.¹³
• Property of a minor: A named custodian may claim UGMA property only while the minor is under 18 (proof of claimant's SSN and ID, minor's SSN and birth certificate); once 18 the former minor must claim personally. A court-appointed guardian claims for a minor or adult ward with the guardianship court document.¹⁴
• If a claim is denied: Debt offsets taken from a claim payment (state agencies, counties, municipalities, IRS/federal government, other states, tribes) cannot be appealed to DOR's Unclaimed Property Unit; contact the collecting agency. No claimant appeal procedure for denied claims is described on DOR pages.³

The general process is in our how to claim guide.

Documents you need, by situation

These are the official requirements. The claim form for a specific property can ask for more.

Claiming your own property

• Individual (reported owner): proof of SSN; government ID; proof of the address associated with the property¹⁴
• Trust: full copy of the trust; FEIN if the trust is active, or a written statement that it is closed¹²
• Creditor with court judgment: proof of owner's SSN; judgment information; claimant's FEIN; statement of account showing balance due¹⁴

A former address or a name change

• Former address: a document with your name and the old address (driver's license/State ID, birth or marriage certificate, cancelled check, utility bill, bank or insurance statement, first page of tax return, property tax bill or lease); if you have none, tick 'Check if already provided' and DOR will try to verify¹⁵
• Former name (e.g., maiden name): claim as Reported Owner – Individual under your current name; attach a document with the previous name if possible¹⁶
• Property with no address: any document connecting you to the holder/company (e.g., copies of uncashed money orders or cashier's checks)¹⁶

The owner has died (estate)

• Heirs claim online under the decedent's name with decedent SSN, birth and death dates. If the estate subject to administration is $50,000 or more a court order is required; claims under $50,000 need the State Bar 'Transfer by Affidavit' (unless claimed by an active trust or open estate); DOR may also ask for an Affidavit of Heirship and an Affidavit of Service. If the decedent or spouse may have received Medicaid, include the certified-mail return receipt from the DHS Estate Recovery Program.²
• Deceased owner – heir or personal representative: claimant: proof of SSN, government ID, proof of current address; decedent: proof of SSN, date of birth and death (death certificate), proof of address tied to the property; plus Transfer by Affidavit (claims under $50,000), trust documents or domiciliary letters as applicable¹⁴

A business or government agency

• Every claim (identity): copy of government-issued ID AND your Social Security number¹²
• Business – active: proof of FEIN; proof the filer has authority; proof of address tied to the property; proof of affiliation if the name changed¹⁴
• Business – dissolved: proof of FEIN; filer's government ID and SSN; proof of address tied to the property; dissolution records; documentation of percentage of business ownership¹⁴
• Business – successor: proof of FEIN; filer's government ID; proof of address tied to the property; copy of buy/sell agreement; proof of legal, beneficial or equitable interest¹⁴
• Government agency: proof of FEIN; proof of address associated with the property¹⁴

Securities, safe deposit boxes and other cases

• Joint owners: you are paid only your share while the other owner is living, unless co-owners sign Form UCP-150 Release by Co-Owner (notarized); a current spouse who filed a joint tax return in the past year may be paid the full amount¹
• Guardian: SSN proof for owner and claimant; government ID for owner (if available) and claimant; court document showing guardianship¹⁴
• Safe deposit box contents / U.S. savings bonds: registered box owner files a normal claim with documentation; any bank fees (drilling, back rent) must be paid before items are released; bonds are then sent by courier¹⁷
• Someone helping you (incl. attorney): Form A-222 Power of Attorney, or call together with the claimant; DOR does not accept a POA from a locator¹⁵

See also: claiming for a deceased relative and the claim documents tool.

How long it takes, how you are paid and the deadline

Processing time

• Up to 12 weeks for the claim to be assigned for review (processed in the order received); 7-10 days to receive payment after approval³

How you are paid

Wisconsin can pay electronically or by check.

• Direct deposit (shows as 'ACH: WI DEPT REVENUE – WISSTTAXRFD'; no foreign bank accounts) or paper check (valid one year; reissue possible up to six years after the original check date)³

Deadline

Owners and heirs in Wisconsin generally have no deadline, but the rule has exceptions.

• No time limit, except escheated estates (property under secs. 852.01 or 863.37 Wis. Stats.), which can be claimed for 10 years⁴

Contact the Wisconsin unclaimed property office

When property becomes unclaimed: dormancy periods

In Wisconsin most property is presumed abandoned after 5 years without owner contact.⁷ Wages move faster: 1 year.⁷ More on how this works: what happens after the dormancy period.

Other states: dormancy periods table.

• Minimum amounts: No minimum: all property must be reported regardless of amount. Holders must mail a due diligence letter for items of $50 or more; items under $5 with unknown owner may be reported in aggregate.²¹
• Gift cards: Not reportable: Wisconsin's unclaimed property law excludes gift cards and stored-value cards (and loyalty cards, game-related digital content and in-store credit for returned merchandise) from 'property', so unused balances are not turned over to DOR.¹³
• Published lists of owners: DOR keeps an online searchable database, advertises annually in newspapers, and runs automatic tax-record matching; it may advertise properties within three days after a holder files.⁴

Finder fees and heir finders in Wisconsin

The legal limit in Wisconsin: 10% of the actual value of the property recovered.⁵ Among the flat caps in our finder-fee comparison, 1 is lower and 11 are higher. You never need a finder: claiming directly is free.⁶

• Are finders allowed? Yes.⁵
• Contract rules: Written agreement must: explain services and state the fee (max 10%) clearly and prominently; show the property value before and after the fee; describe the property; give the holder's name and address; be signed by the owner/agent; state clearly that the owner can claim from DOR free without a locator. It must be submitted with the claim, and it is void if the property has been in DOR custody less than 24 months.⁵
• The law: Wis. Stat. ch. 177, Subchapter XIII (DOR cites secs. 177.1301 and 177.1302); agreement requirements at sec. 177.1301(2) and locator penalty added by 2025 Wis. Act 112⁵ (read the text)

Before signing with a finder, read how finders work.

How to spot Wisconsin unclaimed property scams

Wisconsin's official search is on tap.revenue.wi.gov, a .gov address.¹

What Wisconsin warns about

• You do not need to pay a third party to claim your property.¹²
• Disregard unsolicited letters offering to reunite you with property for a fee; check DOR's website instead.⁶
• Verify an unexpected 'Notice of Claim Refund' check using the claim number on DOR's Check Your Claim Status page.¹⁰
• Complaints about heir finders/locators go to DATCP.⁵
• DOR investigates claim fraud: a 2025 case stopped over $800,000 in fraudulent unclaimed property checks.²²
• Since March 22, 2026, filing a claim for someone else's property without consent and with intent to deprive the owner carries a penalty equal to the property's value, is a Class I felony, and may include prosecution costs.²³

Unsure about a letter, text or call? Try the scam check or read how to spot a fake notice.

Wisconsin unclaimed property in numbers

For businesses: reporting unclaimed property to Wisconsin

• Report due: November 1 for the fiscal year ending June 30 (report and payment); safe deposit box contents delivered by December 1; weekend/holiday rolls to next business day (2026: Monday, November 2)²¹
• Due diligence letters to owners: First-class mail notice between July 1 and September 1 to owners of property valued at $50 or more (unless the address is known invalid), with a required 'Notice. The State of Wisconsin requires us to notify you...' heading and 30-day response date; email may be added only with owner consent; keep a copy for 10 years.⁷
• Where to report: tap.revenue.wi.gov/UCPHolder (file); tap.revenue.wi.gov/UCPHolderPayment (pay); tap.revenue.wi.gov/mta (extension and voluntary disclosure applications)¹²
• File format: Electronic only: NAUPA standard file (.TXT) uploaded on DOR's site, UPExchange online submission, or manual entry; no paper copies and no notarized affidavit⁷
• Penalties: $150 late-filing penalty; 15% of property value for late payment/delivery; $100 per day after a written DOR request to file or deliver; collection fee of 6.5% (minimum $35) on delinquent balances²¹
• Voluntary disclosure: Permanent VDA program (2023 Wis. Act 138): report 5 prior years without penalties if not audited in the previous 5 years and no balance due; notify owners within 30 days, file and remit within 60 days, then report for at least 4 future years²⁵

New to this? See who must report. Other states' dates are in the holder reporting deadlines table.

Other rules specific to Wisconsin

• Law: Chapter 177, Wisconsin Statutes (Unclaimed Property); locator rules in Subchapter XIII. Official text: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/177⁵
• Uniform act: Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act of 2016: 2021 Wis. Act 87 (effective Nov 7, 2021) conformed ch. 177 to many of its provisions, not all.²⁶
• Run by the Department of Revenue, which pays $2,000-or-less matches automatically from tax records once a year, no claim needed.⁶
• Claim payments are offset against debts owed to state agencies, counties, municipalities, the IRS, other states and tribes.¹
• Up to 20 properties per online claim, one owner per claim; drafts can be saved for 60 days.²⁷
• The claimant screen accepts a Wisconsin driver's license number in place of an SSN, although the same page says you MUST provide your SSN. DOR's pages conflict; expect to give an SSN and government ID.¹²
• Securities are held at least one year before sale; other property is usually auctioned within three years. DOR says there is no time limit to claim, except escheated estates (10 years).⁴
• Locator agreements are void for property held by DOR under 24 months, fees capped at 10%, and DOR posts an annual 'Available Assets for Locators' spreadsheet.¹²
• Escheated probate estates (no known heirs) can be claimed only for 10 years and only with a court order from the reporting county probate court.²
• As a courtesy to Wisconsin businesses, DOR forwards property reported for other states' residents (reciprocal agreements with most states). Wisconsin-incorporated businesses may include only incidental out-of-state items (less than ten); a report with no Wisconsin properties goes to the other states. California-address property must be reported to California directly.⁷
• Named 2023 UPPO Members' Choice State of the Year.²⁴
• Paper refund checks expire after one year; a reissue is possible only up to six years after the original check date.³
• Live chat with an unclaimed property specialist is available on the search page.⁸
• Outdated web address on an official form: Form UCP-150 (R.10-13) lists 'wismissingmoney.com', which on Nov. 3, 2026 showed generic advertising categories, not a state site; use revenue.wi.gov/UCP.²⁸
• The State Treasurer promotes the program by statute but does not run it: DOR administers and pays claims.²⁹
• 2025 Wis. Act 112 (effective March 22, 2026) added civil and criminal penalties for fraudulent claims and a penalty for locators using non-compliant agreements; DOR may waive these penalties in whole or in part.²³
• Holders must liquidate virtual currency within 30 days before the November 1 due date (Wis. Adm. Code Tax 10.01, effective March 1, 2024).³⁰
• Financial organization loyalty cards are excluded from unclaimed property (2023 Wis. Act 138).³⁰
• Life insurers must compare policies, annuities and retained asset accounts with the Social Security death master file at least twice a year.⁷
• Funeral trusts and burial CDs are not turned over while the beneficiary is living.⁷
• Claimant records are confidential.¹

Wisconsin unclaimed property: questions people ask

What is the dormancy period for unclaimed property in Wisconsin?

5 years for most property;⁷ other types differ (see the table).

Where do I search for Wisconsin unclaimed property?

On the official search at tap.revenue.wi.gov.¹ Searching and claiming there is free.⁶

When is the Wisconsin unclaimed property report due?

November 1 for the fiscal year ending June 30 (report and payment).²¹ Details above.

How do I claim a deceased relative's unclaimed property in Wisconsin?

Heirs claim online under the decedent's name with decedent SSN, birth and death dates.² Details above.

Which law governs unclaimed property in Wisconsin?

Chapter 177, Wisconsin Statutes (Unclaimed Property); locator rules in Subchapter XIII.⁵

How do I claim unclaimed property in Wisconsin?

Claims can be filed online on the official site.² First step: Search by name OR by Property ID (not both) at the online search.¹² All the steps.

Is it free to claim unclaimed property in Wisconsin?

Free; DOR charges nothing⁶

Moved? Neighboring programs

• Michigan unclaimed property
• Minnesota unclaimed property
• Iowa unclaimed property
• Illinois unclaimed property

See which state holds your property, or list every search with the multi-state checklist.

Sources

Footnote numbers point here. Open "Quoted text" for the exact words relied on ("[…]" marks words left out).

1. General Claim Questions - Guidance Document 100146 Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · Dec. 2, 2024 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (5)

   To initiate a claim, you will need to first search for the property, either by name or property ID (if known). Click here search and claim property: https://tap.revenue.wi.gov/UCPSearch [https://tap.revenue.wi.gov/UCPSearch].

   If the other owner is your current spouse and you have filed a joint tax return in the past year the entire amount may be paid out to you.

   Wisconsin Department of Revenue - Unclaimed Property PO Box 8982 Madison, WI 53708-8982

   Wisconsin statutes authorize the department to collect debt for Wisconsin state agencies, counties, municipalities, the federal government (including the Internal Revenue Service), other states, and federally recognized tribes.

   Yes, personal information and any reports or records of a claimant are confidential.

2. Heirship Claims - Guidance Document 100152 Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · Jan. 1, 2026 (laws as of Nov. 4, 2025) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (3)

   Heirship claims must be filed electronically on our website [https://tap.revenue.wi.gov/UCPDOR].

   A court order is required if the total value of the decedent's property subject to administration is $50,000 or more.

   Heirs must get a court order from the county probate court that reported the funds. The property is only available to claim for ten years.

3. After You File a Claim (UCP) - Guidance Document 100308 Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · Nov. 4, 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (4)

   Refund checks are only valid for one year. If uncashed, checks can be reissued only up to six years after the initial date of the check.

   Claims are processed in the order received. Typically, it takes up to 12 weeks for your claim to be assigned for review. If your claim is approved, it takes 7-10 days to receive your payment.

   These offsets cannot be appealed to the department's Unclaimed Property Unit; however, you should contact the collecting agency regarding the offset if you have questions.

   Refund checks are only valid for one year.

4. Overview of Unclaimed Property (common questions) - Guidance Document 100078 Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · Dec. 2, 2024 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (5)

   There is no time limit for you to claim your money from DOR.

   Phone: (608) 264-4594

   These funds are held by the County Treasurer on behalf of the courts and municipalities in that county and are not sent to DOR.

   Annually advertising in newspapers

   DOR must sell the unclaimed property at public auction to the highest bidder usually within three years after receiving it.

5. Heir Finders or Locator Services - Guidance Document 100151 Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · Nov. 4, 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (6)

   If you sign a contract with an heir finder or locator service, they cannot charge you a fee in excess of 10% of the actual value of the property recovered.

   There is no license or registration requirement.

   Note: The agreement is void if the property has been in the custody of DOR for less than 24 months.

   This document provides statements or interpretations of the following laws and regulations enacted as of November 4, 2025: secs. 177.001, 177.0503, 177.0903, 177.1301, and 177.1302, Wis. Stats [https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/prefaces/toc].

   All complaints must be filed with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

   However, effective November 7, 2021, they must follow certain disclosure requirements provided in Subchapter XIII of Chapter 177 [https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/177], Wis. Stats., and cannot charge fees in excess of 10% of the actual value of the property recovered.

6. $10.4 Million in Unclaimed Property matched to Rightful Owners (news release) Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · March 3, 2023 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (3)

   There is never a fee that unclaimed property owners must pay to the Wisconsin DOR to claim unclaimed property.

   If a taxpayer receives an unsolicited letter offering to reunite them with their property for a fee, the taxpayer should disregard the letter and visit DOR's website to gain definitive information whether they have unclaimed property waiting for them.

   DOR annually matches tax records against the state's unclaimed property roll.

7. Publication 82, Unclaimed Property Holder Report Guide (07/26) Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · July 2026 (laws as of July 23, 2026) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (19)

   The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) is the administrator of Wisconsin's unclaimed property program.

   MS08 MS09 MS10 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CREDIT BALS & ACCTS RCVBL DISCOUNTS DUE 5 5 5

   MI09 *MI99 MS01 MINIMUM ROYALTIES AGGREGATE MINERAL INTEREST WAGES 5 5 1

   AC01 AC02 AC03 CHECKING ACCOUNTS/DDA SAVINGS ACCOUNTS MATURED CERTIFICATES OF DEP 5 5 5

   MS18 *MS99 SC01 SUSPENSE LIABILITIES AGGREGATE MISC PROPERTY DIVIDENDS 5 5 3

   IN01 IN02 IN03 INDIV POLICY BENIF/CLM PMTS GROUP POLICY BENEF/CLM PMTS PROCEEDS DUE BENEFICIARIES 3 3 3

   IN77 *IN99 IR01 LIMITING AGE AGGREGATE INSURANCE PROP TRADITIONAL IRA – CASH 3 3 3

   *TR99 UT01 UT02 AGGREGATE TRUST PROPERTY UTILITY DEPOSIT MEMBERSHIP FEES 5 1 5

   CK05 CK06 CK07 DRAFTS WARRANTS MONEY ORDERS 5 5 5

   CK08 CK09 CK10 TRAVELER'S CHECKS FOREIGN EXCHANGE CHECKS EXPENSE CHECKS 15 5 5

   SD01 SD02 SD03 SAFE DEPOSIT BOX SAFEKEEPING ITEMS OTHER TANGIBLE PROPERTY 5 5 5

   MS15 MS16 MS17 DISSOLUTION/LIQUIDATN PROP MISC OUTSTANDING CHECKS OTHER MISC INTANGIBLE PROP 1 5 5

   CS03 CT01 CT02 EDUCTNL SAVINGS ACCTS-SECURITIES ESCROW FUNDS CONDEMNATION AWARDS 5 5 1

   AC10 *AC99 CK01 WIS DWD ACCT/CHILD SUPPORT AGGRGATE ACCOUNT BALANCES CASHIER'S CHECKS/GARNISHMENTS 1 5 5

   A notification letter must be sent by 1st class mail to owners of properties valued at $50 or more unless the owner's last known address is recorded as invalid. Letters must be sent between July 1 and September 1.

   DO NOT send us a paper copy of your report or a physical copy of your report on CD/other electronic storage media. We do not require a notarized affidavit after your electronic filing.

   However, properties with a last known address in California must be reported directly to California.

   Insurers are required to compare, at least semi-annually, the records of its life insurance policies, annuity contracts, or retained asset accounts with the federal social security administration's death master file.

   Funeral Trusts and Burial CDs are not to be turned over if the beneficiary is living.

8. DOR Campaign Publishes Names of Unclaimed Property Owners in Local Newspapers Statewide (news release) Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · June 1, 2023 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (3)

   While newspapers help spread word of the more than $600 million the agency currently holds, Egan says traffic to the DOR Unclaimed Property Search page at www.revenue.wi.gov/ucp continues to grow and is the best way for anyone to search, find, and claim their cash and other assets.

   Reason being is that one in seven people have unclaimed property in their name, and the average unclaimed property claim in Wisconsin is worth $1,225.

   There is also a live chat option on the page allowing visitors to get help from a DOR unclaimed property specialist.

9. One in 10 people have unclaimed property (news release) Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · Feb. 1, 2022 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (1)

   Anyone can search DOR's Unclaimed Property database for themselves or family members at revenue.wi.gov/UCP.

10. Unclaimed Property Data Matching Process - Guidance Document 100085 Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · Dec. 2, 2024 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    If we find an unclaimed property owner by using this matching program, and the value of their unclaimed property is $2,000 or less, a refund check is automatically issued to the unclaimed property owner.

    To verify the check is authentic, go to our Check Your Claim Status [https://tap.revenue.wi.gov/UCPStatus/] page.

11. Unclaimed Child Support Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · Nov. 4, 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    The Department of Children and Families manages the Unclaimed Child Support program and updates the list that is posted on this page.

12. Unclaimed Property home page (How to Claim Property, relationship types, acceptable documents, tips, resources) Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (13)

    OR by Property ID number, not both. After entering Name or ID, Click the blue Search button to get results.

    You can save a draft and resume filing a claim at any time by clicking "Save Draft." Write down the Confirmation Code you receive. This Code is only valid for 60 days.

    Attach at least one document for your claim to be reviewed, preferably your Government ID

    You will need the confirmation or claim number and zip code from the claim

    Read the agreement notices and enter your first and last name to affirm you are the rightful claimant to the property on this claim.

    You must submit a full copy of the trust

    You MUST attach a copy of your government issued identification and provide your social security number to validate your identity.

    Email to DOR at: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]. Provide your claim number or confirmation number in the email.

    Submit the documents in person at any DOR office [/Pages/FAQS/ise-address.aspx]

    You do not need to pay a third-party to claim your property!!!

    File Holder Report [https://tap.revenue.wi.gov/UCPHolder]

    your Wisconsin driver's license number

    2025​ Available Assets for Locators [/_layouts/download.aspx?SourceUrl=https%3a//www.revenue.wi.gov/Documents/HeirFinderCD.xlsx]

13. Wisconsin Statutes ch. 177, Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (Updated 2023-24 Wis. Stats., certified January 30, 2026) Wisconsin Legislature (Legislative Reference Bureau) · docs.legis.wisconsin.gov · archived copy, captured Feb. 17, 2026 (view capture) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (14)

    Except as provided in subs. (3) and (4), when the administrator pays to a claimant property in the form of money, including property described in sub. (1) that is converted to money, the administrator shall pay simple interest on that money for the period that it was in the custody of the administrator or this state at an annual rate equal to the applicable annual federal long-term rate determined under section 1274 (d) of the Internal Revenue Code in effect on December 31 of the year prior to the year in which the claim is paid.

    Property not specified in this section or ss. 177.0202 to 177.0209, the earlier of 5 years after the owner first has a right to demand the property or the date on which the obligation to pay or distribute the property arises.

    Wages, commissions, bonuses, or reimbursements to which an employee is entitled, or other compensation for personal services, other than amounts held in a payroll card, one year after the amount becomes payable.

    A payroll card or demand, savings, or time deposit, including a deposit that is automatically renewable, 5 years after the later of maturity or the date of the last indication of interest in the property by the apparent owner

    a security is presumed to be abandoned 3 years after the following

    An amount owed by an insurance company on a life or endowment insurance policy or an annuity contract that has matured or terminated, 3 years after the obligation to pay arises under the terms of the policy or contract

    property held in a pension account or retirement account that qualifies for federal income tax deferral or tax exemption under the U.S. income tax laws is presumed abandoned if it is unclaimed by the apparent owner 3 years after the later of

    A deposit or refund owed to a subscriber by a utility, one year after the deposit or refund becomes payable.

    A money order or similar instrument, 5 years after issuance.

    A traveler’s check, 15 years after issuance.

    Tangible property held in a safe deposit box and proceeds from a sale of the property by the holder permitted by law of this state other than this chapter are presumed abandoned if the property remains unclaimed by the apparent owner 5 years after the earliest of the following

    Property that may be distributed by a business association in the course of dissolution, one year after the property may be distributed.

    property held by a court, including property received as proceeds of a class action, one year after the property may be distributed.

    “Property” does not include the following: 1. Property held in a plan described in section 529A of the Internal Revenue Code. 2. Game-related digital content. 3. A loyalty card. 4. An in-store credit for returned merchandise. 5. A gift card. 6. A stored-value card.

14. Relationship Types and Documents Needed Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (9)

    (If the minor is now over age 18, you cannot claim the property. They must file their own claim.)

    You are the same person as the owner named on the property, including properties with multiple owners.

    You are named in a court judgment allowing you to claim the property of the listed owner.

    Proof of address associated with the property being claimed

    Proof that the person filing the claim has the authority to do so

    Documentation of percentage of business ownership

    Copy of buy/sell agreement

    Your government agency is listed as the owner of the property

    Court document showing proof of guardianship

15. Acceptable Documents and Submission Process Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Note: We may be able to verify a previous address while reviewing your claim. If we can't verify, we will contact you.

    We will not accept a Power of Attorney form from a locator.

16. Tips for Common Claim Scenarios Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Attach a document with your previous name, if possible

    Submit any documentation showing a connection to the holder/company that reported the property

17. U.S. Savings Bonds (unclaimed property) - Guidance Document 100087 Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · Dec. 2, 2024 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    If there are any fees owed to the bank that turned over the safe deposit box (e.g., drilling fees and back rent owed), you must pay the fees in full before any property, including U.S. savings bonds, can be released to you.

18. Secretary David Casey (biography) Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    David Casey was appointed Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) by Governor Evers in April 2024.

19. Unclaimed Property Forms Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    You may be required to submit one or more of the following documents to support your claim as legal owner of unclaimed property in the custody of the Department of Revenue.

20. UCP Document Submission (rendered) Wisconsin Department of Revenue · tap.revenue.wi.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    For assistance, contact Unclaimed Property at 608-264-4594 from 7:45 am to 4:30 pm (CST) Monday through Friday.

21. Holders (common questions) - Guidance Document 100153 Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · Nov. 4, 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    No, all property needs to be reported. Any property $50 or more requires a due diligence letter.

    All holder reports and payments are due by November 1 for the filing period ending June 30.

    You will be subject to a late penalty of $150.

22. Special Agent's Interstate Investigation Nets Arrest in Unclaimed Property Fraud Scheme (news release) Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · April 22, 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    His investigation prevented over $800,000 in fraudulent checks from being paid to the suspect — money that was eventually turned over to its rightful owner.

23. Wisconsin Tax Bulletin 233 (2025 Wis. Act 112; matching program) Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · April 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    A person who files such a claim is subject to a penalty equal to the total value of the property, is guilty of a Class I felony, and may be assessed the cost of prosecution.

    This year's matching program has identified 33,373 owners with approximately $6.2 million in refund checks to owners.

    The Act creates civil and criminal penalties for filing a claim with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for the property of another person without the other's consent and with intent to deprive the rightful owner of the property.

24. Wisconsin DOR Named Unclaimed Property State of the Year (news release) Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · July 6, 2023 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    One in seven people have unclaimed property in their name, and the average unclaimed property claim is worth $1,225.

    MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) earlier this year received the Unclaimed Property Professionals Organization's (UPPO) 2023 Members' Choice State of the Year Award.

25. Unclaimed Property Voluntary Disclosure - Guidance Document 100301 Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · Nov. 4, 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    The program became permanent through the passing of 2023 Wis. Act 138.

26. Wisconsin Tax Bulletin 216 (overhaul of unclaimed property laws, 2021 Wis. Act 87) Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · January 2022 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    The Act updates Chapter 177 to conform to many of the provisions in the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act of 2016, adopted by The National Conference of Commissioners of Uniform State Law.

27. How to Claim Property Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    You can include up to 20 properties per claim; however, file a separate claim for each property owner.

28. Form UCP-150, Release by Co-owner (R.10-13) Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · R. 10-13 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    website: wismissingmoney.com

29. Unclaimed Property (State Treasurer page) Wisconsin Office of the State Treasurer · statetreasurer.wi.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Under Wisconsin State Statute, the Office of the State Treasurer promotes the Unclaimed Property Program.

30. Wisconsin Tax Bulletin 225 (2023 Wis. Act 138; Tax 10.01; matching) Wisconsin Department of Revenue · revenue.wi.gov · April 2024 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Administrative Rule for Virtual Currency Effective March 1, 2024

    The Act creates a definition for a financial organization loyalty card and excludes the card from unclaimed property.