Check out the legal advertising in today’s American Press to see if you have money coming to you in this year’s Louisiana
unclaimed property list.
State Treasurer John Kennedy said the treasury has $518 million that needs to get to its rightful owners. In fact, one in
six residents has unclaimed property — and the average refund is $300-$400.
“Louisianians have much better odds
finding unclaimed money listed with the state than they would of winning
money playing
the lottery,” he said in an email. “I encourage everyone to check
the listings at www.LATreasury.com for your name, and the
names of your family members, friends and neighbors, too.”
According to Kennedy, unclaimed
property is money held by businesses and other entities. When it goes
unclaimed, it has to
be turned over to the state. Common sources of unclaimed property
include savings and checking accounts; uncashed payroll
checks; certificates of deposit, stocks and dividends; insurance
proceeds; oil and gas royalty payments and utility deposits.
“When a business cannot locate an
individual the unclaimed property belongs to, usually because of a wrong
address, the money
is turned over to the state for safekeeping,” Kennedy said. “The
Unclaimed Property Program had a record-breaking year, collecting
$73 million in unclaimed money and reuniting $27 million with the
rightful owners,” he said.
Since 1972, the unclaimed property program has returned nearly $270 million to more than 200,000 Louisiana residents.
To search the Louisiana unclaimed property listings and submit a claim online, visit www.LATreasury.com or call 1-888-925-4127
weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.