A Network of the National Association of State Treasurers
A Network of the National Association of State Treasurers

Learn about Unclaimed Property

Unclaimed Property Programs are Alive and Well

"The report of my death was an exaggeration"

Mark Twain, 1897

“Regardless of political party or persuasion, state governments are working harder than ever to ensure that private property owners’ rights are enforced… Returning money to rightful owners is the primary goal of all state unclaimed property programs… The next time you read a fable about state unclaimed property programs, keep in mind that like the rumors of Mark Twain’s demise, it is likely an exaggeration.”

In this week’s issue of TaxNotes State, our NAUPA Legal Committee chair Allen Mayer reviews the status and efficacy of state unclaimed property programs and respond to exaggerated claims about state administration of unclaimed property – with actual data and caselaw.

About the Author:

G. Allen Mayer is Chief of Staff to Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs and presently serves as Chair of the NAUPA Legal Committee and a member of the NAUPA Executive Committee. He was the recipient of the NAUPA 2017 Presidential Distinguished Service Award and the UPPO 2019 Above and Beyond Award for his work on the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (RUUPA). He has over 20 years of experience providing policy and legal advice in Illinois state government. Mr. Mayer is a graduate of the Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA) and an honors graduate of the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois College of Law.