Actually, it’s a state tax refund check for $84. It was issued way back on March 26th. I found it while I was cleaning up my place in preparation for moving. I’m sure that just depositing it at the ATM would be a bad idea in case the bank returns it and decides to charge me a lot for the trouble.
Oh, did I mention March 26th of 1996?
I could use $84 – who couldn’t? But I’m wondering if I could actually get the state to reissue the check to me. And it also makes me wonder why this money has never shown up in any of my searches for unclaimed money. Is it possible that the state (California, by the way) has provided me with the money in some other way over the years? How best to approach this one?
For dividend checks, getting them reissued isn’t usually a problem, but I would guess that the state will make you jump through a hoop or two. I’d call and ask them. It’s something that the first line “customer service” people should know the answer to.
It is odd that it hasn’t shown up on a search of abandoned assets, but I’ve had situations where things haven’t shown up in those searches so I don’t think it necessarily means anything.
As far as the money escheating to the state, that’s a possibility but I’ve been told by a couple people at whatever agency handles such things in nj that unclaimed assets never escheat. However don’t be surprised if tax refunds are treated differently. After all, for federal returns, if you file after 3 years, any refunds are lost. Since here they actually issued the check, that rule won’t apply (if CA has a similar rule that is), but it’s possible it will be handled differently than private abandoned assets.
The few times I’ve had to call the tax offices - IRS, state and local - it’s been a really pleasant experience. Maybe a somewhat long wait on the call but once I spoke to a person it was all easy-peasy.
Not sure what they can do for you in your situation but don’t be afraid to call!
As I recall, 7 years is the statute of limitations on tax returns – that is, they can’t go back at you for something on your taxes after 7 years. So I’d expect the same to apply for refunds – if you’ve failed to cash it for 7 years or more, they no longer have to give it to you.
Contact the issuing party and ask for a new check. Offer to provide the old one in exchange.
Our local treasurer scans for uncashed checks, and sends out letters offering to reissue any that have not been cashed. I had one in that category, and got a new one.
Just because it is old doesn’t mean the money isn’t owed to you. But don’t delay – forgiveness isn’t perpetual.
Update. I’ve been on the phone with the state Controller’s Office and the Franchise Tax Board. Apparently, there is an office of the state called the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board where I can file a claim to get a check reissued.
It will cost me $25 to file the claim to reissue an $84 check.
California is the 8th largest economy in the world – larger than most of the countries in the world. Larger than the whole continent of Africa put together.
So it certainly seems reasonable to have an office to deal with this.
<hijack> While cleaning out my bedroom, I recently found an unused personal check for an activity I didn’t want to do anyway! It was only about 6 months old, though.
- couldn’t resist}