On Dec. 18, Governor Phil Scott and Treasurer Mike Pieciak announced the launch of the MoneyBack Program, a partnership to proactively return unclaimed property to Vermonters whose identity and address can be verified via Tax Department data. The program will rightfully return a total of nearly $1.3 million to over 5,000 Vermonters this holiday season.
The program matches data the tax department is allowed to share with the state’s unclaimed property database to verify the identities of Vermonters with unclaimed property ranging from $100 to $500. Once verified, the state will mail a letter alerting recipients of the amount they will receive. Within a few days of receiving the letter, recipients will receive a check in the mail for their unclaimed property — no forms, no hassle.
“When our office returns unclaimed property to Vermonters, it delivers real support to working families and puts money directly back into our economy,” said Treasurer Pieciak. “As Vermonters face an affordability crisis, the MoneyBack Program is putting hard-earned money back into Vermonters’ pockets this holiday season, helping families focus on what matters most—spending time together.”
“This initiative proves when government thinks differently, we can work together to better serve Vermonters,” said Governor Phil Scott. “I appreciate the creative thinking, and the collaboration between my team at the Department of Taxes, the Treasurer and his team. It’s always a good day when we can give back to Vermonters.”
Individuals with multiple unclaimed properties in the $100 to $500 range may receive more than $500. The average amount returned to Vermonters through the MoneyBack Program this year is $241.46.
The MoneyBack Program builds on a successful pilot program conducted last year by the Tax Dept. and the Treasurer’s Office, which mailed checks ranging from $200 to $225 to over 300 Vermonters, returning over $75,000.
The Treasurer’s Office plans to make the MoneyBack program an annual occurrence each December, as Treasurer Pieciak continues to evaluate and launch other proactive ways to return unclaimed property to Vermonters. Earlier this year, Treasurer Pieciak partnered with Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas to return over $150,000 to local nonprofits.
While the Treasurer’s Office typically raises awareness about unclaimed property through paid media campaigns and outreach events, the state has taken a proactive approach this holiday season to reunite Vermonters with their hard-earned money.
“The MoneyBack program represents government working at is best, helping Vermonters make ends meet during the holidays,” said Treasurer Pieciak. “While our office is returning more claims than ever, the amount of unclaimed property held by the state continues to rise, recently totaling over $130 million. And it’s not just individuals—businesses, nonprofits, and even local governments can have unclaimed property. I encourage Vermonters to search missingmoney.com to check if they have missing money waiting for them.”
Unclaimed property includes forgotten assets like uncashed checks, security deposits, investments, insurance proceeds, and other financial property. Financial institutions annually report these properties and turn them over to the state. The Treasurer’s Office safeguards assets until claimed by rightful owners or heirs.
All Vermonters are encouraged to visit missingmoney.com to check for unclaimed property.
For inquiries regarding a claim or assistance with the claims process, contact the Treasurer’s Office Unclaimed Property Division at (802) 828-2407 or visit: unclaimed.property@vermont.gov.
The chart shows the growing number of Vermonters who have received money back over the past two decades.
The chart shows the total amount of Unclaimed Property in dollars returned to Vermonters over the past two decades.
The chart shows the amount of Unclaimed Property turned over to the state has grown recently to near-record amounts.
