Unclaimed money in Montana

Unclaimed money in Montana comes from accounts that businesses, government agencies, or financial institutions lost touch with. If you have money sitting in one of these accounts, you can search for it and claim it for free.

What counts as unclaimed property

Unclaimed property includes:

• Money in forgotten bank accounts or savings accounts
• Uncashed checks or money orders
• Security deposits (like from rental properties)
• Utility deposits
• Insurance payouts or refunds
• Stocks, bonds, or dividends
• Wages owed to you
• Refunds from merchants
• Safe deposit box contents

Money is typically reported as unclaimed after the holder (a bank, employer, or business) hasn't heard from the owner for a set period, usually three to five years.

How to search for your unclaimed money

Use the official Montana Unclaimed Property search at mtrevenue.gov. Searching is free and takes just a few minutes.

When you search, try these variations:

• Your current legal name
• Maiden names or former married names
• Nicknames you may have used
• Different name spellings

Also search using:

• Your current address
• Old addresses where you lived
• Business names if you owned a company

If nothing appears under your name, the money may not be in Montana's system. It could be held in another state where you lived or worked.

If you find unclaimed money

If a match appears, you'll see basic details like the holder's name and the amount. Write down this information.

How to file a claim

To claim your unclaimed money:

1. 1
   Step 1: Gather proof of ownershipThis usually includes a government-issued ID (like a driver's license or passport) showing your name and current address.
2. 2
   Step 2: Prepare additional documentsDepending on what type of property you're claiming, you may need:

• Old statements from the account
• Proof of your address at the time the account was open
• Letters from the business or institution that held the money
• A death certificate (if claiming for a deceased person)

3. 3
   Step 3: Contact the Montana Department of RevenueThey will tell you what specific proof they need and how to submit your claim. Visit mtrevenue.gov for contact information and claim forms.
4. 4
   Step 4: Submit your documentsMail, email, or deliver them according to the department's instructions.
5. 5
   Step 5: Wait for a decisionThe department will review your claim and contact you about the result.

Claiming for a deceased relative

You can claim unclaimed money on behalf of a deceased person. You'll need:

• A certified death certificate
• Proof that you have the legal right to claim the money (such as being named executor in a will or having letters of administration)
• Your government-issued ID
• Proof of your relationship to the deceased

Contact the Montana Department of Revenue for specific requirements.

Avoid unclaimed money scams

Scammers charge upfront fees to "help" you find or claim your money. Never pay anyone to search for unclaimed money or file a claim. Searching is always free, and filing a claim is free.

Red flags include:

• Unsolicited calls, texts, or emails offering to find money for you
• Requests for upfront fees or credit card information
• Pressure to act quickly
• Guarantees that you'll get money

Only use the official Montana Unclaimed Property search site. If you have questions, contact the Montana Department of Revenue directly using the number or address on their website—never use contact information from someone who reached out to you.

What happens next

Once your claim is approved, the state will send you your unclaimed money. This can take weeks or months depending on how many claims the department is processing and how complete your submission was.

If your claim is denied, the department will explain why. You may be able to file again with additional proof.