BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Nearly $11 billion in unclaimed property is sitting in a Texas state database, and some of it could belong to you.
The money isn’t a scam and comes with no fee to search or claim through the state, according to Kevin Lyons, spokesperson for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
“Last year, the fiscal year of 2025, we returned more than $450 million,” Lyons said. “So that’s almost half a billion dollars, and every year, we’re trying to find more ways to get people their money that’s rightfully theirs.”
Why the state has your money
By law, companies that owe you money but can’t find you must turn it over to the state. That can include landlords, banks and utility companies.
Texas is holding billions in forgotten deposits, paychecks and accounts. Tens of millions are tied to Bryan and College Station alone.
“It has your name on it. They report it to us. We put it on the website. We have the money in our hands, and you can come and claim it,” Lyons said.
Unclaimed property can end up in the database after moves, job changes, closed accounts, or times when people may not update their address across all places where they’ve done business.
Lyons said claims can range from just a few dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The database can include security deposits, tax refunds, insurance payouts, final paychecks, and forgotten bank accounts. Lyons also said unclaimed property can include stocks and bonds and safe deposit box contents.
Unclaimed property that you can find in the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts database.(kbtx)
Some reported property is not cash. Lyons said if those items aren’t claimed after a period of time, they can be sold, and the owner would receive the cash proceeds if they later file a claim.
Unclaimed property in Bryan-College Station
According to Lyons, in the city of Bryan, about $24.6 million in unclaimed property is outstanding, which he said is about 256,000 properties.
In the city of College Station, he said about $24.1 million is outstanding. That’s about 240,000 properties.
How to search and claim for free
The process can take just a few minutes on a phone or computer. Start at claimittexas.gov.
How to file a claim with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.(kbtx)
Once you’re there, type in your name. You can also search by city or business to narrow results. If your name appears, file a claim directly on the site.
You should have a government-issued ID ready to verify your identity. Lyons said the comptroller’s office has a process to ensure the money goes to the rightful owner.
If approved, the state will mail a paper check.
However, Lyons warned that third-party “finder” services may charge up to 10% to help with a claim. If you go directly through the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts via claimittexas.gov, Lyons said there is no fee.
There are millions of dollars out there, and some of it could have your name on it.(kbtx)
What you need to know before you file
Lyons said a simple claim can be resolved in a few weeks. More complex claims, such as those involving a deceased relative, probate or a will, can take longer.
The program has been around since the 1960s, and there is no expiration date for claims. Even if your name has been in the database for decades, you can still claim the money.
You can search the database for relatives or friends and help them navigate the process, but the person who owns the property must provide their own identification and information in order to make a claim.
Lyons encourages Texans to keep their contact information up to date with financial institutions to prevent losing their money.
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