Mississippi State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division
Mississippi · Unclaimed Property
treasury.ms.gov/for-citizens/unclaimed-propertyState Unclaimed Property in Mississippi
The Mississippi State Treasurer holds unclaimed property — dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, and similar assets — until the owner or their heirs claim it. Heirs of a deceased owner file a claim on the form prescribed by the Treasurer, notarized, with proof of death and authority to act for the estate.
Steps to take when someone dies
- •A copy of the owner's death certificate, and of any deceased heir's death certificate
- •A copy of the filed will and probate orders; if none, the obituary or funeral program listing all heirs; if neither, a notarized Affidavit of Death and Heirship from each claiming heir
- •A photo ID and a document showing the Social Security number for each claimant
Required Documents
- Copy of the owner's death certificate: on a claim for a deceased owner
- Copy of the death certificate of a deceased heir: if an heir has died
- Copy of the filed will and probate orders: if a will was filed
- Copy of the obituary or funeral program listing all heirs: if no will was filed
- Affidavit of Death and Heirship: if there is neither a filed will nor an obituary or funeral program. Each claiming heir completes a notarized affidavit.
- Photo ID: for each claimant
- Document showing the Social Security number: for each claimant
State Unclaimed Property in Mississippi: key facts
What Mississippi says7
- Official search
The free search, online claim filing, claim-status lookup and secure document upload are at ms.findyourunclaimedproperty.com.1
- Dormancy period
The Treasurer applies a five-year dormancy period: holders report and remit property after five years of inactivity.2, 3
- Who may claim for a deceased owner
Miss. Code § 89-12-39(1) lets any person claiming an interest in property delivered to the state file a claim on the form prescribed by the Treasurer.4
The claim form must state whether the estate is open or closed. For a closed estate, each legal heir files a separate claim form.5
- Documents for an heir or estate claim
Heirs send a copy of the owner's death certificate, the death certificate of any deceased heir, and a copy of the filed will; with no will, a copy of the obituary or funeral program listing all heirs.5
If neither a will nor an obituary or funeral program exists, each claiming heir completes a notarized Affidavit of Death and Heirship. Every claimant also sends a photo ID and a document showing the Social Security number.5
- Deadline to claim
The Treasurer states that most unclaimed money remains claimable indefinitely.6
Checks issued by the state, such as tax refunds, payments for goods or services and uncashed payroll checks, become unclaimable after six years and revert to the general fund.6
- How an approved claim is paid
If the estate is open, the Treasurer pays the estate in care of the executor. If the estate is closed, the funds are split among all legal heirs.5
Since July 1, 2022, Miss. Code § 89-12-39(3) has an approved claim checked against Department of Human Services child-support records, and any portion of the claim, including interest, needed to satisfy the claimant's arrearage is transferred to the Department before payment.4
Under Miss. Code § 89-12-39(4), interest is 1/12 of 1% per month; property that was interest-bearing to the owner when surrendered earns up to 5/12 of 1% per month or the lesser market rate. Interest stops 15 years after delivery or on payment, whichever is earlier.4
- Fees
Under Miss. Code § 89-12-39(4), the Treasurer pays the claimant the full amount it received, without deduction for notice costs or service charges.4
Governing law: Miss. Code Title 89, Chapter 12 (Uniform Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act, §§ 89-12-1 to 89-12-57); § 89-12-39 as amended by Laws 2022, ch. 486
Deadlines1
- Claim for a check issued by the state
within 6 years; The check becomes unclaimable and reverts to the state's general fund.6
Forms Mississippi uses2
- Claim Form and Requirements
The form prescribed by the Treasurer for a claim; it must be notarized and must state whether the estate is open or closed.7, 4
- Affidavit of Death and Heirship
Completed and notarized by each claiming heir where there is neither a filed will nor an obituary or funeral program listing the heirs.8
Sources8
- 1.Mississippi Unclaimed Property claims portal
- 2.Learn About Unclaimed Property (Mississippi State Treasurer)
- 3.Unclaimed Property Reporting (Mississippi State Treasurer)
- 4.SB2319, 2022 Regular Session (Laws 2022, ch. 486), Miss. Code § 89-12-39 as enacted
- 5.Unclaimed Property (Mississippi State Treasurer)
- 6.It's Your Check, Cash It (Mississippi State Treasurer, October 24, 2025)
- 7.Claim Form and Requirements (Mississippi State Treasurer, 4.23.19)
- 8.Affidavit of Death and Heirship (Mississippi State Treasurer)
Mississippi unclaimed property
Mississippi State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division
Tools for Planning and Settling an Estate in Mississippi
Free calculators and checklists for planning or settling an estate in Mississippi: will and trust costs, probate, executor pay, and inheritance taxes.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Mississippi: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysMiss. Code §§ 91-7-93, 91-7-95, 91-7-109Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 3 monthsMiss. Code §§ 91-7-145, 91-7-149, 91-7-151, 91-7-165, 91-7-261Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 12 months.
What Is the Estate's Personal Property Worth for Probate?
Estimate the fair market value of household items for probate and see how it affects fees.
Who Inherits Without a Will?
Without a will in Mississippi, descendants divide what passes to them per stirpesMiss. Code Ann. § 91-1-3Verified Sep 10, 2026View source, and the state sets no survival period for heirs.
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