How to File an Unclaimed Assets Claim in Montana: Step-by-Step Guide

If you have ever moved, changed jobs, closed a bank account, or forgotten about a refund, you might have unclaimed property waiting for you. In Montana, the state holds these assets until the rightful owner (or heirs) files a claim through official channels.

This guide explains how unclaimed assets work in Montana, who can claim them, and how to file an unclaimed property claim using the state’s official systems. HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information resource, not a government agency, and cannot process claims or check claim status for you—but this overview can help you get ready to use the official Montana unclaimed property office.

What Are Unclaimed Assets in Montana?

In Montana, unclaimed assets (also called unclaimed property) usually means money or financial property that has been inactive for a certain period of time. When a business, financial institution, or government agency cannot find the owner, it must turn those assets over to the State of Montana, which holds them until someone files a valid claim.

Common examples include:

• Bank accounts or credit union accounts that were abandoned
• Uncashed checks (payroll, vendor payments, refunds, dividends)
• Utility deposits or apartment security deposits not returned
• Insurance policy benefits or claim payments
• Stocks, dividends, or mutual fund accounts
• Safe deposit box contents (after a holding period)
• Gift certificates or credit balances, in some cases

Montana’s unclaimed property office does not usually handle physical items like cars, land, or houses. Real estate is usually managed through local tax and property systems, not through unclaimed property programs.

Who Typically Can File an Unclaimed Property Claim in Montana?

You may be able to file a claim if:

• You are the owner listed on the unclaimed property record
• You are a former name of the owner (for example, a maiden name)
• You are an heir or beneficiary of someone who has died
• You are the legal representative (executor, personal representative, or trustee) of an estate
• You represent a business (owner, officer, or authorized agent) named on the account

To succeed with your claim, you must usually prove:

1. Identity – that you are who you say you are
2. Ownership or connection – that you are the person or business named, or a valid heir/representative
3. Legal authority – if claiming on behalf of someone else, a minor, an estate, or a business

If you are unsure which category you fall into, the Montana unclaimed property office staff can typically explain what type of claimant you are and what proof they require.

Step 1: Search for Unclaimed Property in Montana

The first step is to see if there is anything to claim.

How to Search

Most people start by using the official Montana unclaimed property search tool on the state’s website:

• You typically search by last name and first name
• You can also search by business name
• Try different spellings, former names, and known addresses

If you do not have internet access, you can usually:

• Call the Montana unclaimed property office and ask them to search your name
• Request printed forms or a mailed search request if available

Tips for a Thorough Search

To increase your chances of finding property:

• Check all last names you have used (marriage, divorce, legal name change)
• Search common misspellings of your name
• Search relatives’ names, especially if you are an heir
• Search for business names you owned or managed
• Look in other states where you have lived or worked—each state runs its own program

If your name shows up in results, you will typically see a list of properties and an option to start a claim.

Step 2: Confirm You Are the Right Person to Claim

Once you find a property that looks like it might be yours, confirm:

• The name matches you, a former name, or your business
• The last known address is one where you lived or operated
• The holder (bank, employer, insurer, utility) is familiar or plausible
• The relationship type (owner, heir, business representative) matches your situation

If things match up, you are ready to start the claim process through the state’s official claim portal or paper forms.

Step 3: Decide How to File Your Montana Unclaimed Property Claim

In Montana, claims are usually filed in one of two ways:

• Online claim submission through the state’s official unclaimed property website
• Paper claim form mailed to the state unclaimed property office

The table below summarizes common options:

Some claim types (for example, estate claims or business claims) may be easier to handle with paper forms and possibly with guidance from the unclaimed property office.

Step 4: Gather the Documents You Will Likely Need

Montana’s unclaimed property office usually asks for supporting documents to prove identity and ownership. Requirements can vary based on your situation, but common documents include:

For Individual Owners

• Photo ID

  • Valid driver’s license, state ID, passport, or other government-issued ID

• Proof of Social Security number (if requested)

  • Social Security card
  • Tax form (W-2, 1099)
  • Pay stub with full SSN

• Proof of address or connection to the property

  • Utility bill or bank statement showing the old address listed in the record
  • Lease agreements or mortgage documents
  • Old pay stubs or correspondence from the original holder

For Married Name / Former Name Claims

If your name has changed:

• Marriage certificate or divorce decree
• Court order showing legal name change

These documents help Montana link your current identity to the name on the unclaimed asset.

For Heirs or Estates

If the listed owner has died, you may need:

• Death certificate of the original owner
• Will, letters testamentary, or letters of administration
• Small estate affidavit, if applicable under Montana law
• Documentation showing your relationship to the deceased (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate)

The exact documents vary depending on whether you are a spouse, child, other heir, or personal representative.

For Business Claims

If the unclaimed property belongs to a business:

• Proof you are an authorized representative (such as corporate officer, owner, or authorized agent)
• Business documentation, such as:
  • Articles of incorporation
  • Partnership agreement
  • Business license
  • Tax ID (EIN) documentation
• If the business name changed or merged:
  • Merger documents
  • Name change filings

⚠️ Important: Always send copies, not originals, unless the Montana unclaimed property office specifically instructs you otherwise.

Step 5: Complete and Submit Your Claim

Filing Online

When you file online through the state’s official portal, you will typically:

1. Select the property you want to claim from your search results
2. Choose your claimant type (owner, heir, business, etc.)
3. Provide contact information (current address, phone, email)
4. Answer verification questions, if any
5. Upload scanned copies or clear photos of your required documents
6. Submit the claim and note any confirmation or claim number provided

You may receive a confirmation email or on-screen message that your claim has been submitted for review.

Filing by Mail

If you choose a paper claim:

1. Obtain the official Montana claim form (from the state website or by contacting the unclaimed property office)
2. Fill out all required sections clearly and completely
   • Claimant information
   • Property ID or details from the search results
   • Relationship to the original owner
3. Attach copies of identification and supporting documents
4. Sign and date the form (some claims may require notarization; check the form instructions)
5. Mail the claim form to the address indicated on the official form or site

Keep copies of everything you mail for your own records.

Step 6: What Happens After You Submit a Claim?

After you file your Montana unclaimed property claim, the state typically:

1. Reviews your paperwork to ensure it is complete
2. Verifies your identity and your connection to the property
3. May request additional documents or clarification if anything is unclear
4. Once approved, issues payment (usually by check) or transfers the property

Typical Timelines

Processing times can vary based on:

• The volume of claims the office is handling
• Whether your claim is simple (individual claim with clear documents) or complex (estate, large business, or multiple property types)
• Whether the office needs additional information from you

Some claims may be processed in a few weeks, while more complicated claims may take longer. For current processing time estimates, you can contact the Montana unclaimed property office directly using the phone number listed on their official website or forms.

Checking Your Claim Status

Most states, including Montana, usually allow you to:

• Check claim status online using your claim or property ID, or
• Call the unclaimed property office and provide identifying details

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot check your status for you—you must use the official state channels.

Common Reasons Montana Unclaimed Property Claims Are Delayed or Denied

If your claim is taking longer than expected or was denied, some typical reasons include:

• Incomplete forms – sections left blank, missing signatures, or missing property details
• Insufficient ID – unreadable copies, expired documents, or information that does not match the claim
• Weak proof of ownership – no documentation showing a connection to the address or account listed
• Name mismatches – your current name does not match the record and no legal documents link the two
• Estate paperwork issues – missing death certificate, no proof of authority, or multiple heirs not properly documented
• Outdated contact information – the office cannot reach you to ask for more information

If your claim is denied or delayed, you can usually:

• Ask the Montana unclaimed property office for a written explanation
• Submit additional documents they request
• Re-file your claim with corrected or more complete information

Some states allow a more formal appeal or review process, while others handle disputes more informally through the unclaimed property office. The Montana office can explain your options based on your situation.

Special Situations: Heirs, Estates, and Joint Owners

If the Owner Has Died

If you are claiming on behalf of someone who has passed away:

• Be prepared to show proof of death and your legal right to claim
• Check whether the estate has an official personal representative or executor
  • If yes, that person may need to file the claim
• If the estate is small, Montana may have simplified estate procedures that apply

The unclaimed property office can typically tell you which documents are required based on your relationship (spouse, child, sibling, other heir).

If There Are Multiple Heirs

In cases with multiple heirs:

• Some or all heirs may need to sign forms
• You may need to show how the estate was distributed or provide a court order
• The payment may be made to the estate or distributed according to the legal documents

Joint Account Holders

If the unclaimed property was from a joint account (for example, spouses):

• The state may require information and ID from all joint owners, or
• They may allow one joint owner to claim with proof of the joint relationship

Requirements can vary; check directly with the Montana unclaimed property office.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official Montana Channels

Because unclaimed property often involves money, scammers sometimes try to take advantage of people. To protect yourself:

Signs You Are on an Official Montana Site or Office

• The web address ends in “.gov” and clearly identifies State of Montana
• Contact information lists a state mailing address and a government phone number
• Forms and logos clearly reference a Montana state agency (such as the Department of Revenue)

Red Flags and Scam Warnings

Be cautious if:

• Someone cold calls, emails, or messages you claiming you have unclaimed money and demands an upfront fee
• A website asks you to pay a “processing” or “expediting” fee to claim your property
• The communication comes from a generic email domain (not .gov) or contains pressure tactics (“act now or lose your money”)

Montana’s official unclaimed property program typically does not charge you to search for or claim your property.

If you are unsure whether a communication is legitimate:

• Independently look up the Montana unclaimed property office using a trusted directory or the main state government site
• Call the office using a publicly listed phone number—not a number from a suspicious email or text

If You Don’t Find Anything in Montana

If your search in Montana shows no results:

• Double-check:
  • Different spellings of your name
  • Former names and old addresses
• Consider searching other states where you:
  • Lived
  • Worked
  • Attended school
  • Had bank accounts or insurance policies

You can also:

• Review old records (tax returns, pay stubs, insurance documents) for clues
• Contact businesses directly if you suspect a refund or deposit never came back

Even if you do not find anything right now, it can be helpful to check periodically, since new unclaimed assets are turned over to the state each year.

Key Takeaways for Filing an Unclaimed Assets Claim in Montana

• Unclaimed property in Montana includes things like old bank accounts, uncashed checks, utility deposits, and insurance payouts.
• You start by searching your name through the official Montana unclaimed property system or by contacting the state office.
• Claims can usually be filed online or by mail, depending on your preference and the complexity of the claim.
• Have your photo ID, Social Security proof, and documents linking you to the address or account ready. Heirs and business claimants will need extra paperwork.
• After submitting, the state will review your claim, may ask for more information, and, if approved, will issue payment or release the property.
• To avoid problems, make sure you’re using an official Montana government site or office and be wary of anyone charging high fees or pressuring you to act quickly.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot file claims or access state systems for you, but by understanding the typical Montana process and preparing your documents in advance, you can move more confidently through the official unclaimed property channels and see whether any forgotten funds are waiting in your name.