If you searched for “Claim It Texas” or “ClaimItTexas,” you are most likely looking for Texas’ official unclaimed property program operated by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
ClaimItTexas allows people to search for money and other property that may belong to them but has been turned over to the state because the owner could not be located. The state’s unclaimed-property system can include items such as forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, utility deposits, payroll checks, royalties, and certain safe-deposit-box contents.
What Is ClaimItTexas?
ClaimItTexas is the Texas Comptroller’s system for searching and claiming unclaimed property.
If a company or organization has money that belongs to you but cannot reach you, that property may eventually be reported to the state under Texas’ unclaimed-property laws.
The important point is that unclaimed property is not necessarily “free money.” It is money or property that may already belong to an individual, business, or other rightful owner.
What Can Be Found on ClaimItTexas?
Potentially unclaimed property can come from sources such as:
- Old bank accounts
- Uncashed checks
- Payroll checks
- Insurance proceeds
- Utility deposits
- Refunds
- Dividends
- Mineral royalties
- Cashier’s checks
- Certain abandoned safe-deposit-box property
Texas local-government information also directs people to ClaimItTexas when unclaimed property has been transferred to the Comptroller.
How to Search ClaimItTexas
The process is relatively simple.
Step 1: Go to the Official Texas Search
Use the Texas Comptroller’s official unclaimed-property search rather than an unfamiliar third-party website.https://claimittexas.gov/
The official state search allows you to look for property associated with your name or business.
Step 2: Enter Your Name
Search using your legal name.
If you have previously used another name, it can also be useful to search that name.
For a business, search using the business’s legal name.
Step 3: Review the Results
If the database finds a possible match, carefully review the information.
A name match alone does not necessarily prove that the property belongs to you.
You may need to establish your connection to the property.
Step 4: Select the Appropriate Property
If you find property that appears to belong to you, follow the site’s instructions for starting a claim.
Step 5: Provide Supporting Information
Depending on the claim, Texas may require documentation showing that you are the rightful owner.
The required evidence can vary depending on the type of property and the claimant’s circumstances.
Step 6: Submit the Claim
Complete the claim process and provide any requested documentation.
The Comptroller then reviews the claim.
Does It Cost Money to Search ClaimItTexas?
Searching the state’s unclaimed-property database is free.
You also do not need to pay a private company simply to search for your own unclaimed property.
Be cautious about websites that charge upfront fees or claim that you must pay money to the Texas government before your property can be released.
How Much Money Can You Claim?
There is no standard amount.
A claim could involve a relatively small amount or a much larger property interest.
The amount depends on what property was reported to the state and whether the claimant can establish a legal right to it.
Recent reporting has highlighted the large amount of unclaimed property held by Texas and encouraged residents to search the official database.
What If the Property Belongs to a Deceased Relative?
You may potentially be able to claim property belonging to a deceased person if you are legally entitled to it.
However, these claims can require additional documentation, such as evidence of your relationship, estate documents, or other proof of legal authority.
Do not assume that simply sharing the same last name is enough.
What If the Claim Belongs to a Business?
Businesses can also have unclaimed property.
If the property belongs to a company, the person submitting the claim may need to demonstrate their authority to act on behalf of that business.
The documentation requirements can differ from those for an individual owner.
What If Your Address Has Changed?
A change of address is one reason people may not realize that property is being held for them.
For example, you might have:
- Moved to another Texas city
- Moved to another state
- Changed your name
- Closed an old bank account
- Changed employers
- Forgotten about an old deposit
If the state has property associated with an old address, documentation connecting you to that address may be important when filing the claim.
How Long Does a Claim Take?
There is no single processing time for every Texas unclaimed-property claim.
Straightforward claims can differ from claims involving:
- Estates
- Businesses
- Multiple potential owners
- Older records
- Complex ownership
- Large or unusual property
The Comptroller may request additional documentation before completing its review.
Is ClaimItTexas Legit?
Yes. ClaimItTexas is associated with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts’ official unclaimed-property program. The Texas Comptroller’s own search system identifies ClaimItTexas as the state’s unclaimed-property search resource.
However, be careful with websites using similar names.
When searching for your property, verify that you are using the official Texas government resource rather than a private recovery service.
Common ClaimItTexas Scams to Watch For
Unclaimed-money searches can attract scammers.
Be particularly cautious about messages that:
- Promise guaranteed money
- Demand an upfront payment
- Ask for your bank password
- Request sensitive information through email
- Pressure you to act immediately
- Use a domain that looks similar to the official state website
Do not provide sensitive financial information to an unknown website simply because it uses the words “ClaimItTexas.”
Can You Claim Texas Unclaimed Property Yourself?
Yes, if the property belongs to you and you can meet the state’s requirements.
For a straightforward claim, using the state’s own system can eliminate the need to pay a private company to submit the claim for you.
More complicated situations—particularly estates, business ownership, or disputed claims—may require additional documentation or professional assistance.
What If You Find Your Name but the Property Does Not Belong to You?
Do not submit a claim simply because your name matches.
For example, several people can have the same name.
Before claiming property, verify information such as:
- Former address
- Property holder
- Business relationship
- Account information where available
- Other identifying details
You should only claim property when you have a legitimate basis for doing so.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ClaimItTexas?
ClaimItTexas is the Texas Comptroller’s unclaimed-property search and claims system.
How do I search ClaimItTexas?
Use the official Texas unclaimed-property search and enter your name or business information to look for possible matches.
Is ClaimItTexas free?
Searching for your own unclaimed property through the state system is free.
What type of money can be found?
Possible property includes forgotten accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, utility deposits, payroll checks, royalties, and other property covered by Texas’ unclaimed-property program.
Can I claim money for a deceased relative?
Possibly, if you are legally entitled to the property. Additional documentation may be required.
Can businesses search ClaimItTexas?
Yes. Businesses can search for property reported under their business name and must provide appropriate evidence of ownership or authority when making a claim.
Does finding my name guarantee that I will receive the money?
No. A database match does not automatically establish ownership. The Comptroller may require documentation before approving a claim.
Final Takeaway
ClaimItTexas is the official Texas unclaimed-property system operated by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. If you have lived in Texas, operated a business there, or previously had financial or other property connections to the state, it may be worth checking the database for property associated with your name.
The safest approach is to search directly through the official Texas government system, verify that a property record actually belongs to you, provide the required documentation, and avoid paying an unnecessary third party to submit a straightforward claim.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes and is not legal or financial advice. Claim requirements can vary depending on the type of property and claimant. Always verify current requirements directly with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
