State Unclaimed Property in Texas

State Unclaimed Property in Texas: key facts

Administering agency

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Unclaimed Property.

Official search and claim

claimittexas.gov (free search and online claims).

Heir claim documents

Proof of death plus proof of authority. If the estate was probated, that is Letters Testamentary, Letters of Administration, or the probated will. If it was not, the Comptroller's Affidavit of Heirship (Form 53-111-A) covers a non-probate heirship claim worth $10,000 or less; above that, the claim needs probate documents or a determination-of-heirship order signed by a judge.

Phone

800-321-2274

Small estate option

When the decedent died without a will, at least 30 days have elapsed since the death, and estate assets (excluding homestead and exempt property) do not exceed $75,000, distributees may use a Texas small estate affidavit under Tex. Est. Code §205.001 instead of appointing a personal representative. The affidavit is filed with the clerk of the probate court and must be approved by the judge.

Governing law: Tex. Prop. Code Title 6 (Unclaimed Property); claims under Tex. Prop. Code §74.501

Steps to take when someone dies

1. Search claimittexas.gov for the deceased's name and prior addresses. Texas charges nothing for the search or the claim.
2. File a claim as the estate representative or heir, with the proof of authority the claim form asks for:
   • Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration if the estate was probated
   • A notarized Affidavit of Heirship (Form 53-111-A) for a non-probate heirship claim worth $10,000 or less
   • Proof of death and photo identification
3. Upload the signed claim form and documentation through the ClaimItTexas.gov secure portal, or mail it to Unclaimed Property, P.O. Box 12046, Austin, TX 78711. Payments are issued as a physical check by USPS mail; the Comptroller does not pay claims by direct deposit or wire transfer.

Frequently asked questions