Unclaimed money
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How to send us unclaimed money

If you have unclaimed money to send to us, follow this step-by-step guide and use our online tools and instructions to help you complete the process.

Step 1: Prepare your return

To send us unclaimed money, you must first create a ‘return file’ in .csv or .txt format, with all the relevant information.

You’re required to keep a record of the unclaimed money return for six years, to help us verify a request from the account holder if they make a claim on the money.

Step 2: Register

If this is your first lodgement, you'll need to register to send us unclaimed money.

Step 3: Report your unclaimed money

When your return file is ready and you’re registered, you can to lodge the unclaimed money.

Step 4: Send us the money

When you’ve submitted your return file, we’ll send you written confirmation of lodgement.

  • When you receive this notice, send us a cheque for the unclaimed money within seven days and attach a copy of the confirmation notice.
  • Contact us if you’d prefer to use a different payment method.

Preparing your return

The return must list all items of unclaimed money and include details as required in the Return Specifications.

This includes the following information for each item of unclaimed money

  • the owner's full name
  • the total amount due to the owner
  • the year the money became payable to the owner
  • a description of the money (dividend, interest, deposit)
  • the owner's last known address
  • date of birth of the owner.

The information in the return must be accurate and sufficiently complete for the details to be published and claimants identified.

When to send unclaimed money to us

Penalty and interest may apply if you fail to lodge your return on time.

Type of unclaimed moneyDateLegislation
Money held for at least 6 years on 30 June 31 October Unclaimed Money Act 1995
Money held for at least 2 years on 30 June 1 January Property, Stock and Business Agents Act 2002
Money held for any length of time in a trust account of a legal firm Anytime Legal Profession Act
NSW public sector superannuation benefits held up to 30 June of the same year 1 November Superannuation Benefits 
(No minimum amount)
 
You may need to lodge two returns a year.
NSW public sector superannuation benefits held up to 31 December of the previous year1 May

Sending unclaimed money to us early

If you have unclaimed money that you need to send to us earlier than the legislated time, you must send an email addressed to the Chief Commissioner with your request.

  • We will review your request and if required, we may contact you for further information.
  • When a decision has been made, we will write to you advising you of the outcome.

Your request must include

  • details of the unclaimed money held
  • an explanation of why the money must be sent to us earlier than the legislated time
  • details of your reasonable attempts to locate the owner(s) of the unclaimed money.