From the Desk of the Comptroller

August, 2008

While everyone continues to read the pessimistic news about the national economy and with many Maryland families struggling with the rising costs of food and gas, we at the Comptroller's Office have tried to provide some relief this summer by connecting Marylanders with money that is rightfully theirs.

In July, I was proud to join with the IRS as well as our partners at AARP and the Baltimore CASH Campaign to reach out to the near 97,000 Maryland seniors and veterans who have yet to claim their federal stimulus rebate checks. With many of these individuals on fixed incomes, it is important that we get the word out that every little bit of relief helps - especially when it comes to paying for important daily expenses.

Additionally, my office has $728 million of unclaimed and lost property waiting to be returned to Marylanders. Many people don't realize that financial institutions, utilities, insurance companies and other corporations are required to report to the Comptroller any bank accounts, security deposits, wages, insurances benefits and contents of safe deposit boxes that have been unclaimed after three years. Funds remain the property of the owners or their legitimate heirs and can be claimed anytime.

Last year, we gave back $52 million, and this year I want to give back even more. That's why I am matching up the unclaimed property list with our tax records and sending checks to thousands of Marylanders across the state. Recipients don't even have to fill out any paperwork to claim their money. However, not all of the property in our possession is a match to the tax records. To find out if you, your friends or family are owed money for unclaimed or missing property, simply click the icon on the top of our Web site's home page.

As Comptroller, it is my job to be a good steward of taxpayer money. As such, my office aggressively pursues those individuals and corporations who cheat the state out of tax revenue needed to make sure Maryland can provide essential services to our citizens. And while we take the job of collecting taxes very seriously, the Comptroller's Office also takes great pride in the lighter, but equally important ways we 'serve the people' by returning millions in funds every year.

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