Standardized Countywide Escheatment Process

About the Program

Category: Financial Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2015

Each year, the County of San Diego seeks to return more than $100,000 in unclaimed property to its rightful owners in the legal process called escheatment. This money comes from a variety of sources, from revenue generated by County departments like dog license fees and development fees, to money received from an estate unable to locate an heir. If the County’s effort to reach those owners is unsuccessful, the County transfers any remaining unclaimed property to its General Fund in accordance with California Government Code. The County of San Diego’s Treasurer-Tax Collector (TTC) coordinates and conducts the annual Countywide Escheatment process. In 2014-2015, TTC implemented a Standardized Countywide Escheatment Process with a variety of measures to improve procedures, train participants, enhance service, return more money to owners, and reduce risk for the County.