Massachusetts
Statutory term: Abandoned Property
Overview
Search for Unclaimed Property
This program provides a public search portal where you can look up unclaimed property.
Search Now →Key Statistics
Dormancy Periods
The dormancy period is how long property must be inactive before it is considered unclaimed and reported to the state.
| Property Type | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bank accounts | 3 | Demand, savings, or time deposits; 3 years of inactivity |
| Wages/payroll | 3 | Unclaimed wages and compensation |
| Insurance proceeds | 3 | Life insurance and annuity proceeds; life insurers report by May 1 for property 3 years old as of December 31 of prior year |
| Securities | 3 | Dividends, distributions, and equity interests |
| Utility deposits | 3 | Utility refunds and deposits |
| Safe deposit boxes | 3 | Contents of safe deposit boxes |
| Certificates of deposit | 3 | Dormancy commences upon initial maturity date of the certificate |
| Checks/money orders | 3 | Uncashed checks, outstanding drafts, and money orders |
| General property (default) | 3 | Most property types have a uniform 3-year dormancy period |
Massachusetts uses a uniform 3-year dormancy period for virtually all property types, making it one of the simpler dormancy frameworks among the states. The Unclaimed Property Division receives abandoned property from banks and other holding companies after 3 years of inactivity. An owner's property is not reportable if the owner maintains an active relationship with the holder for any property of the same owner. The state processed over 131,000 claims in 2024.
Finder / Helper Restrictions
Restriction Level: Strict
Fee Cap: 10% — Third-party locators are legally capped at charging a 10% fee of the value of the property recovered. M.G.L. ch. 200A, § 9A.
Waiting Period: 24 months — A finder cannot enforce a contract signed within 24 months of the state receiving the property. Locators cannot contact the owner within 24 months of the asset being reported to the state. M.G.L. ch. 200A, § 9A.
Solicitation Rules: No solicitation is permitted within 24 months of the asset being reported to the state. Searching and claiming property on FindMassMoney.gov is always free. The Treasury warns consumers that demands for upfront 'processing fees' are likely fraudulent.