Get your unclaimed property

TRENTON – Governor Jon S. Corzine and Treasurer David Rousseau announced today that thousands of New Jersey residents may be surprised to find their names published in their local newspaper in the next week or so, and perhaps even more surprised to learn that the listing could bring them some welcome news.
The upcoming series of newspaper advertisements are the latest part of the State’s ongoing effort to find the rightful owners of unclaimed property – an outreach that resulted in $85 million being returned to more than 36,000 New Jersey residents in Fiscal Year 2008.
“At a time when a sluggish national economy and rising consumer prices are straining household finances, it is a pleasure to let the public know that some forgotten or lost items are waiting to be reunited with rightful owners,” Corzine said. “It would be wonderful to improve upon the $85 million that the State was able to release last year.”
Rousseau that said Unclaimed Property data base has more than 1.3 million names of those who could file a claim for cash or possessions.
The advertisements in newspapers statewide began today and will also be published tomorrow, and on August 28 and 29. The ads will have the names of 26,000 of those whose unclaimed property with a monetary value of $100 or more was turned over to the State in FY08.
The advertised lists will include the name and last known address of the owners of abandoned property as reported by entities turning it over to the State. Following a period of dormancy, property turned over to the State is remitted for safekeeping to the Division of Taxation's Unclaimed Property Office. There is no time limit on claiming property and the State pays interest from the time it receives the property until it is claimed.
The Unclaimed Property Office also maintains the State's online searchable database for abandoned assets at http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation. Those who believe they may be entitled to a claim can complete the form found on the website or in the newspaper ads. The form must be returned along with credentials that establish identity, including a copy of a driver's license or other legal photo identification, and proof of Social Security Number or Federal Employer ID Number. The Unclaimed Property Office will then send the claimant a packet that identifies the property being held.
In addition to the newspaper ads and the database, the Unclaimed Property Office attends a number of community events and trade shows around the State throughout the year and makes information available. Upcoming events include Septemberfest in Hamilton on Sept. 14; Point Pleasant Beach Festival of the Sea on Sept. 20; the Mercer County Italian American Festival Sept. 26-28; and the Chatsworth Cranberry Festival Oct. 18-19.