The amount and variety of unclaimed property in the state of Oregon is larger than one would think. Sometimes it happens when people move and forget to reclaim their utility deposits or over-payments; other times, people may die and leave some money squirreled away in separate checking or savings accounts. Laws regarding unclaimed property in OR also mean that business owners have legal obligations if they come into possession of unclaimed property.

The list of unclaimed property in WA includes, but is not limited to, stocks, checking/savings accounts, death benefits, vendor checks, over-payments, CDs, paid-in-full life insurance, uncashed checks, unpaid wages, money orders, credit balances, refunds, dividends, commissions, insurance payments, gift certificates and customer deposits.

1. Know the laws regarding abandoned property in Oregon and how those laws impact you as a business owner.

2. Search unclaimed property, state of Oregon, to see if you have forgotten some assets.

3. Find unclaimed property in Oregon state auctions.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Know your obligations regarding OR unclaimed property

As a business owner, you're typically required to report and remit unclaimed property in Oregon. If someone forgets to pick up a deposit or a check, make sure you know what your legal obligations are.

I recommend: Go to the State of Oregon's Unclaimed Property division and its Unclaimed Property Holder Information page for reporting requirements and dormancy periods. For detailed information about filing unclaimed property holder status, see the Business Owner's Toolkit.

Search Oregon unclaimed property to ensure that you or your business haven't left assets behind

It may be a long shot, but why not perform a search for abandoned property in Oregon to make sure your business doesn't have some Oregon unclaimed properties? This makes even more sense if your business has been around for a long time or it has a long string of former owners. You might be pleasantly surprised to find that one of the former owners neglected to retrieve some WA unclaimed property or even some unclaimed land in Oregon that still belongs to your business.

I recommend: Perform an Oregon unclaimed property search through Oregon's Department of State Lands and its Unclaimed Property division. If you find something, fill out the claim form. Check with the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators website for unclaimed property in Oregon and other states.

Find abandoned property in OR at auctions or stores

State and local governments, as well as police agencies, sometimes dispose of unclaimed properties in Oregon through auctions or stores. If you like auctions or discount shopping, it can be a good way to save your business some money.

I recommend: Oregon's Department of State Lands sells the contents of unclaimed safe deposit boxes at annual public auctions. Find police and other Oregon government auctions at Government-Auctions-Guide.com. Sign up to receive email notifications of Oregon estate auctions and unclaimed property auctions. You might find an escheated estate to purchase.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be wary if approached by someone who wants money in exchange for information on state of Oregon unclaimed property; you can find the same information yourself for free.