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The Wisconsin unclaimed property search by name begins on the Department of Revenue's official portal, but manual searches often miss funds due to outdated records or name variations. While the state has returned $9.9 million in 2025 through automated checks, the system requires exact details, leaving many unaware of assets tied to old addresses or minor spelling discrepancies.
Common sources include forgotten bank accounts, uncashed payroll checks, and insurance proceeds, but Wisconsin's unclaimed money search lacks automated cross-referencing tools. Third-party services like Chimo use AI-driven algorithms to identify matches across federal and state databases, bypassing these systemic gaps.
Wisconsin State Treasury Unclaimed Money
The Wisconsin treasury unclaimed money program, governed by Wisconsin Statutes §177, safeguards assets ranging from dormant accounts to safe deposit box contents. Key holdings include:
Asset Type
Average Value
Reporting Frequency
Insurance Proceeds
$3,800
Biannual
Bank Accounts
$1,150
Annual
Uncashed Payroll Checks
$475
Quarterly
Utility Deposits
$220
Annual
Insurance Proceeds
Average Value
$3,800
Reporting Frequency
Biannual
Bank Accounts
Average Value
$1,150
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Uncashed Payroll Checks
Average Value
$475
Reporting Frequency
Quarterly
Utility Deposits
Average Value
$220
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Businesses must remit unclaimed assets after dormancy periods, but fragmented outreach leaves millions unclaimed.
Wisconsin Unclaimed Property Laws & Regulations
Wisconsin's unclaimed property retention period varies by asset type under §177.05.
Property Type
Dormancy Period
Reclaimable
Uncashed Payroll Checks
1 year
Securities
3 years
Bank Accounts
5 years
Safe Deposit Boxes
5 years
Uncashed Payroll Checks
Dormancy Period
1 year
Reclaimable
Securities
Dormancy Period
3 years
Reclaimable
Bank Accounts
Dormancy Period
5 years
Reclaimable
Safe Deposit Boxes
Dormancy Period
5 years
Reclaimable
Wisconsin holds assets indefinitely but pays no interest. After dormancy periods, holders must report properties annually by November 1.
Wisconsin State Controller Unclaimed Property
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue unclaimed property division manages assets, not a traditional controller. Despite the 2024 Fraud Detection Initiative reducing fraudulent claims by 15%, 34% of properties over $500 have invalid addresses. The state's manual notification process fails to reach many owners, leaving $785 million idle.
Unclaimed Property Taxes in Wisconsin
Reclaiming property in Wisconsin is not taxable for principal amounts, but interest earned during state custody may require federal reporting. The Wisconsin tax on unclaimed property applies only to gains, not original assets. The state issues 1099-INT forms for interest-bearing claims exceeding $600.
How to Claim Unclaimed Property in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin unclaimed property claim process simplifies with Chimo:
1. Search
Instantly find matches in Chimo's database.
2. Claim
Provide proof of ownership (e.g., old utility bills).
3. Receive
Most claims process within 6-8 weeks.
Skip the state's paperwork backlog and manual reviews.
Start Your Wisconsin Unclaimed Property Search
With 1 in 7 Wisconsinites owed money and $785 million available, systematic checks yield average recoveries of $1,225. The state updates its database quarterly-repeat searches are essential after moves or name changes.