Unclaimed property in Washington laws and regulations are based partially on the common law of property. This generally means that unclaimed property is property which has left the rightful owner’s possession without directly entering another owner’s possession.

The disposition of unclaimed property of Washington depends on the specific circumstances under which it is found. There are three types of unclaimed property:

1. Lost property is found in a location where the owner did not intend to leave it and is not likely to find it. The finder of state of Washington unclaimed property is entitled to possession against everyone but the true owner. One exception to this rule occurs when a trespasser finds lost property while on private land.
2. Mislaid property is found in a location where the owner did intend to leave it and simply forgot to pick it up. Mislaid property must be returned to the owner.
3. Abandoned property is found in a place where the owner intended to leave it. However, the condition of the property is such that it is unlikely that the true owner intends to reclaim it. Abandoned property belongs to the finder.
   

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Learn about the laws regarding the owners of unclaimed property in WA

Laws on unclaimed property are frequently used to determine the circumstances under which property must be returned to the owner. Unclaimed property laws and regulations are a resource for owners who wish to locate their unclaimed property. Contact the Washington Department of Revenue to locate your own property.

I recommend: The Sheriff's Office of Kittitas County provides the procedure that allows owners to locate their own property through the Property Division. The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions offers an overview of unclaimed property laws in Washington with regard to financial institutions.

Examine unclaimed property state of Washington laws for holders

Unclaimed property laws describe the requirements for holders of unclaimed property to return the property to the rightful owner. They can determine when ownership of the unclaimed property passes to the holder.

I recommend: The Washington State Department of Revenue summarizes the obligations of businesses, such as restaurants, that are holding unclaimed property. The Washington State Office of the Attorney General provides an analysis of the obligation for holders of unclaimed property in Washington.

Review laws on unclaimed property in Washington state for finders

Unclaimed property laws for finders address procedures for how finders charge owners for locating, delivering, recovering or assisting in the recovery of their unclaimed property. Unclaimed property laws for finders may also cover the rights of the state to recover compensation for unclaimed property.

I recommend: The Washington State Legislature provides the portion of the Revised Code of Washington that specifically addresses finders of unclaimed property. The Municipal Research and Services Center provides information on the City Code of Edmonds, which covers found property within that city.

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• •  The Uniform Unclaimed Property Act is a key piece of federal legislation that affects Washington unclaimed properties. The Act seeks to address the problems of unclaimed property that arise from its origins in English common law. The National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws first drafted the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act in 1981 and last revised it in 1995.

The amount and variety of unclaimed property in the state of Washington 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 WA 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, certificates of deposit, 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 unclaimed property, Washington, and how they impact you as a business owner.

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

3. Find unclaimed property in Washington state auctions.

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Know your obligations regarding WA unclaimed property

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

I recommend: The Washington State Department of Revenue has information on reporting unclaimed property. For an outside source on reporting requirements, try the Business Owner's Toolkit.

Search Washington unclaimed property to ensure that your business hasn't left some assets behind

It may be a long shot, but why not perform a Washington unclaimed property search to make sure your business doesn't have some Washington 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 Washington that still belongs to your business.

I recommend: Search for unclaimed property at the Washington State Department of Revenue. You can also try CashUnclaimed.com.

Find abandoned property in WA at auctions or stores

State and local governments, as well as police agencies, sometimes dispose of unclaimed properties in Washington 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: The Washington State Department of General Administration arranges for periodic auctions to dispose of unclaimed property in Washington state. PropertyRoom.com auctions unclaimed and seized property from police forces in Washington and elsewhere.

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Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be wary if approached by someone who wants money in exchange for the location of state of Washington unclaimed property; you can get the same information on your own for free.

Anyone who wishes to stay current on unclaimed property in Washington news and trends should identify the key websites that track unclaimed property in Washington and check them periodically for updates. These sites feature current property databases, which can be searched by personal or business name among other criteria. Washington also conducts periodic auctions of unclaimed property that may be announced in major news outlets.

Businesses are required to report state of Washington unclaimed property, such as abandoned safety deposit boxes or dormant bank accounts, after a specified period of inactivity. Therefore, it is especially important for business owners to be aware of the current reporting regulations. Sources of news information on Washington unclaimed property include the following:

1. Blogs and forums on unclaimed property for Washington. These sources provide first-hand accounts of people who have searched for unclaimed property.
2. Independent newspapers and magazines on Washington escheat. These sources are the most likely to provide unbiased news and opinions on unclaimed property.
   
3. Government websites. These sites are the best sources of official news and trends, such as current laws on unclaimed property.
   

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Read informal sources to get inside news on unclaimed property in Washington state

Blogs and forums contain news on Washington unclaimed property that may not be found anywhere else. This information may include opinions and comments on the unclaimed property system in Washington. Blogs and forums also have accounts of personal experiences with obtaining unclaimed property.

I recommend: The Old New Thing is a forum with a thread on the 2008 unclaimed property auction in Washington. CasitaClub.com discusses methods of saving money and has posts that address unclaimed property in Washington.

Study sources of unbiased news and trends for Washington unclaimed properties

Journalists frequently report news on Washington unclaimed property in online newspapers and magazines. News coverage may include articles on how to claim money in Washington or about owners that recovered large sums of money. News stories also cover interviews of people who have recovered unclaimed property in Washington.

I recommend: KEPR-TV has a recent special report that provides information on recovering unclaimed property in Washington. KOMO News.com provides a story on unclaimed property in Washington, including an interview with a successful claimant.

Review official Washington state unclaimed property websites to get government news and information

Government websites are the best sources of official news on unclaimed property in Washington. These sites provide information like current property databases and recent changes in the laws regarding unclaimed property in Washington. County and city websites also may have their own unclaimed property listings and procedures for claiming unclaimed property.

I recommend: The Washington State Department of Revenue maintains the state's official unclaimed property database and provides the current laws regarding unclaimed property. The City of Blaine has its own collection of unclaimed property and provides the portions of the current Revised Code of Washington that deal with unclaimed property.

Unclaimed property in the state of Washington is handled by the Department of Revenue. They are charged with recovering, verifying and returning unclaimed property to the rightful owner. Take time to learn about the process of reporting unclaimed property so that you make sure your business stays in compliance. Here are some of the associated terms along with some resourceful links to help get you started.

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Auction

The term auction, in relations to the state of Washington unclaimed property, refers to an event that is held where safe deposit box contents and safe keeping items are sold off to the public to the highest bidder. The auction is held at least five years after the property has been unclaimed.

I recommend: Visit the Washington State Department of Revenue's Unclaimed Property Department for additional information on the auctions that are periodically held.

Prior notice to owner

The prior notice to owner refers to document that must be sent to the last known owner of the unclaimed property before that property is turned over to the state of Washington.

I recommend: Go to Business Owner's Toolkit for an additional explanation of the prior notice to owner and how it operates within the state of Washington.

Proof of address, proof of identification

Proof of address or proof of identification refers to the burden of the claimant to provide documents to the state that verify both their address and identification when trying to recover unclaimed property. Government issued identification such as a drivers license, auto registration, birth certificate and bank documents are examples of items that qualify.

I recommend: Ehow.com explains how to claim unclaimed money in the state of Washington.

Holder

The holder, according to Washington state law, refers to the individual, business, organization or other entity that is in possession of unclaimed property. The holder then bears responsibility in regard to trying to locate the rightful owner, and then if unsuccessful, turns over the unclaimed property to the state.

I recommend: Justia offers more information on the definition of a holder and their responsibilities in accordance with Washington state law.

National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrator (NAUPA)

The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrator or NAUPA refers to the organization that ties state unclaimed offices with other states. Washington belongs to this association and posts the contact information and search capabilities to their unclaimed property lists on the website.

I recommend: Check out Unclaimed.org for additional information on the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrator (NAUPA).