Under new Wisconsin laws (2021 Wis. Act 87), all businesses, organizations and governmental units holding unclaimed property in Wisconsin can apply for a voluntary disclosure agreement (VDA) with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR).
The VDA program increases awareness of requirements to report unclaimed property to the DOR and helps unclaimed property holders follow the law by reporting the unclaimed property without late filing fees and penalties.
Unclaimed property is generally any financial asset belonging to another person, including annuities, bonds, checks, and checking and savings accounts. For a list of unclaimed properties, refer to the Unclaimed Property Holder Report Guide.
Unclaimed property holders can submit an application now through Feb. 28, 2023, by following three steps:
- Go to the DOR's unclaimed property page at revenue.wi.gov/UCP.
- Under the Holder section, select the VDA application link.
- Complete and submit the VDA application.
The DOR has the technology and tools to reunite owners with their property, but the department can only do so if shareholders properly report the property.
Returning these properties to their rightful owners will further strengthen the economy and help families, communities and businesses grow stronger as Wisconsin continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.