§ 16374 Unclaimed State Trust Funds

Government Code·California

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Key Takeaways

•If the government is holding money for someone and can't find them, they keep it for 2 years.
•If no one claims the money in 2 years, it goes to the state's general money pot.
•If the money was from a check that wasn't cashed, it goes back to the account it came from.

Example

You move and forget to tell the government your new address. They have a tax refund check for you but can't find you.

The government will hold your refund for 2 years. If you don't claim it in that time, the money goes into the state's general fund and you can't get it back.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 16374 Unclaimed State Trust Funds

Whenever any money has been deposited in trust in the Treasury by any state agency because it has remained unclaimed, or the claimant cannot be found, the Treasurer shall hold it for the claimant for a period of two years and if it is not paid within that period, the amount so deposited shall revert to and become a part of the General Fund, except that the face amount of each unclaimed warrant deposited pursuant to Section 16373 shall revert and be credited by the Controller to the fund against which the warrant was drawn. (Amended by Stats. 1953, Ch. 539.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

unclaimed Treasurer General Fund unclaimed warrant

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Government Code. Section 16374.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References