State Treasurer Rich Sattgast announced a record $27.5 million in Unclaimed Property was returned last year.
Even with a banner year, 1 in 4 South Dakotans still has Unclaimed Property. The Treasurer strongly encourages all residents to check the state’s database to see if they are owed money. It’s easy, free and only takes a minute to search online at www.sdtreasurer.gov . or call toll free in South Dakota at 1-866-357-2547
Most people don’t even realize the state is holding their money because it comes from a variety of sources dating back many years. Unclaimed property includes money from inactive bank accounts, uncashed paychecks or unclaimed utility deposits from a previous residence. Once these accounts become stale, it is up to the State Treasurer to try to return the money to its rightful owner.
The South Dakota Unclaimed Property program has returned $62 million over the past three years. There is no time limit to claim property.