29 April, 2024
As we celebrate National Small Business Week, State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg is encouraging small business owners to take the time to search for any unclaimed property that may be owed to them.
In March, the Massachusetts Unclaimed Property Division (UCP) released over 50,000 new properties worth millions of dollars that are owed to individuals and businesses throughout the Commonwealth.
Unclaimed property can include forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance benefits, and more. It is estimated that billions of dollars in unclaimed property are held by states across the country, and small businesses are not exempt from potentially being owed property.
“Did you know that small business owners may have unclaimed property too? It is not just for individual people,” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. "So, check the list, go online, or call our office to search for your business’ name and begin the process of claiming your property.”
UCP offers an easy-to-use online search platform where individuals and businesses can see if they are owed any unclaimed property. Small business owners should visit Find Mass Money and search their business name to see if they have any unclaimed property.
“It was like putting on an old jacket and finding money in the pocket. I was thrilled.” said Erin Fleischer, owner of Knucklebones in Charlestown. “As a small business owner, everything counts, especially when you don’t expect it.”
The state processed 145,000 property claims in 2023 at a value of about $185 million and has returned near $780 million over the last five years.
Treasurer Goldberg urges all small business owners to search for unclaimed property and claim what is rightfully theirs.
For more information on unclaimed property and how to search for it, call the live call center at 1-888-344-MASS (6277).
