Maryland Unclaimed Property Day Encourages Searches
Summary
Maryland Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman and Governor Wes Moore are urging Marylanders to search for unclaimed property in observance of Unclaimed Property Day on February 1, 2026. The state has returned $121 million in unclaimed property during Fiscal Year 2025 and highlights a new, easier-to-use online system implemented in October 2025.
What changed
The Maryland Comptroller's Office and Governor's office are promoting Unclaimed Property Day on February 1, 2026, to encourage residents to search for and reclaim lost or forgotten assets. The announcement highlights the state's free unclaimed property service, which has reunited citizens with their assets for over 50 years. Since the implementation of the new Kelmar Abandoned Property System (KAPS) in October 2025, the office has processed 18,273 claims totaling $33 million, making the reclaiming process easier through electronic submission and status tracking.
While this is a promotional notice rather than a new regulation, it serves as a reminder for individuals to check the Maryland Comptroller website for unclaimed property. Businesses are reminded of the legal requirement to report dormant funds (no activity for three years) to the state. The notice emphasizes that the process is free of charge and encourages all Marylanders to utilize the updated online system to search for and claim their property.
What to do next
- Encourage Maryland residents to search the Maryland Comptroller website for unclaimed property.
- Review internal processes for reporting dormant financial accounts to the state.
Source document (simplified)
Comptroller Lierman, Governor Moore Urge Marylanders to Search for their Unclaimed Property Maryland to celebrate Unclaimed Property Day on February 1, 2026 ANNAPOLIS, Md. (January 30, 2026) — Maryland Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman and Governor Wes Moore invite Marylanders to join in celebrating Unclaimed Property Day on Monday, February 1, 2026. The state observes Unclaimed Property Day annually to highlight its free unclaimed property service, which has reunited Marylanders with their lost or forgotten assets for more than 50 years. Unclaimed property typically includes uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, forgotten dividends, and dormant financial accounts. If an account shows no activity for three years, Maryland law requires businesses to report those funds to the state. “Our Unclaimed Property Division works every day to reunite Marylanders with money and other property that belongs to them,” said Comptroller Lierman, who was recently elected to serve as the Senior Vice President of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. “In October, we launched a new system to eliminate red tape and make claiming property easier than ever. Returning these funds is our duty, and we are proud of the work we are doing to make government work better for our fellow Marylanders.”
The Kelmar Abandoned Property System (KAPS) allows users to submit documentation electronically through the platform, check the status of their claims, and view additional information about their missing property, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Since its implementation in October 2025, the Office of the Comptroller has paid out 18,273 claims valued at $33 million. Governor Moore has issued a proclamation for Unclaimed Property Day and encouraged Marylanders to take advantage of the free resource. “Helping Marylanders reunite with their unclaimed property is part of our work to be more accountable in government,” said Governor Moore. “The process to reclaim property is free of charge—I encourage all Marylanders to check for unclaimed property and to take advantage of our new reclaiming system, which is easier to use than ever before.” Nationally, one in seven people has unclaimed property, and states collectively returned $4.2 billion last year. During Fiscal Year 2025, the Comptroller’s Office returned $121 million in unclaimed property to rightful owners and heirs. Marylanders can search the database and file claims online on the new Maryland Comptroller website, www.MarylandComptroller.gov, by visiting the Unclaimed Property page. Learn More About Unclaimed Property (Video) ### Media Contacts Robyne McCullough rmccullough@marylandtaxes.gov 410-980-0139 (cell)
Adam Abadir aabadir@marylandtaxes.gov 667-408-0768 (cell) Comptroller of Maryland, 80 Calvert Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401, United States
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