How Are States Enforcing Their Unclaimed Property Compliance?

–  Through State or State sponsored Compliance Reviews
–  Through formal State audit notices.
–  Self-Audit notices, including those conducted/sponsored by third party firms.
–  State reminder letters regarding Compliance with reporting obligations.
–  State VDA (“Voluntary Disclosure Agreement”) Invitations.
–  Automatic penalty & interest assessment for non-compliance.
– If you are contacted by a State regarding your compliance efforts, it is best to respond right away!

To discuss these State enforcement steps or any other issues relating to unclaimed property reporting compliance, please reach out to a professional at PEACC by calling 410.303.5510, or email us at
info@peacc.com

Unclaimed Property Reporting Steps

In order to get in and remain compliant with the State reporting requirements Holders must:

– Identify all unclaimed property on an annual basis
– Calculate dormancy periods based on the State property is due to; and depending on type of property and whether it would be reportable in 1,3, 5, 7 or 15 years
– Determine if any property may be exempt from State reporting
– Send State required Due Diligence/Search Letters out approximately 60 to 90 days prior to the State report due date
– Prepare and generate State reports in the required State format
– Update Holder records as to whether dormant property was reported/remitted to the State, paid to Owner or was an error in records

For additional information on how to track & comply with your State unclaimed property reporting obligations please contact PEACC at 410.303.5510 or email at info@peacc.com

Unclaimed Property Audits & Reviews

Who has the ability to audit Holders? Most State jurisdictions have the ability/authority to preform the dreaded Unclaimed Property Audit. Most States have their own audit staff conducting their own various State Audits. But most States still contract with third-party auditors. These third-party auditors have, in the past, conducted contingency fee Unclaimed Property Audits. Where these firms get a percentage of what they uncover from the Holder. Now, most States pay an hourly rate to perform Audits on behalf of a State. The third-party auditors under contract with most States, include the following firms:

• Kelmar Associates, LLC
• Specialty Audit Services (SAS)
• Kroll (was Versus Financial)
︎• Treasury Services Group, LLC (TSG)
• Innovative Advocates Group, LLC
• Discovery Audit Services (DAS)
• Escheatment Expertise Consulting Services (EECS)
• Faegre, Drinker, Biddle & Reath (FDBR)
• KDAC, LLC • Barnes & Thornburg
For further help in navigating the complexities of third-party unclaimed property auditors, please contact PEACC at 410.303.5510 or email us at info@peacc.com

Call PEACC for Compliance
Call PEACC for Compliance 410.303.5510

Minimize UP Exposure

How Does a Company Minimize Their Unclaimed Property Exposure & Implement Best Practices?

– Ensure you are abiding to all State reporting deadlines and compliance calendars.
– Understand and abide to the various compliance rules and regulations along with your industry requirements.
– Establish and implement unclaimed property liability accounts. Update them monthly.
– Perform all State mandated due diligence/search letter mailings.  Stay on top of rules & requirements.
– Investigate and implement any possible outsource solutions.
– File reports annually & consistently as required. Maintain copies of reports.
– Document and maintain support of what you DO NOT owe the States.
– Maintain a log of State’s offering Voluntary Disclosure Agreements (“VDA”) and all specifics.
– Conduct periodic reviews of all functions.
– Assign personnel and define rolls.

Call PEACC for Compliance
Call PEACC for Compliance 410.303.5510

UP Compliance Reviews

States Performing Formal Unclaimed Property Reviews –

There are currently only a handful of States conducting Formal Unclaimed
Property Reviews. To successfully complete one of these Reviews, the
following areas should be investigated and analyzed:

–  Any written Unclaimed Property policies & procedures.
–  Expectations about how certain Property types are handled/reported.
–  Reporting history of all entities including acquisitions & divestitures.
–  How are outstanding/uncashed checks treated on closed bank accounts?
–  Any De Minimus policies or rulings?

Call PEACC for Compliance
Call PEACC for Compliance 410.303.5510

PEACC.COM FREE UNLAIMED PROPERTY CONSULTATION 

PEACC is a leading provider of unclaimed property compliance solutions, helping companies of all sizes navigate the complexities of state regulations. We offer a range of services, from initial compliance reviews and report generation to audit defense and customized training programs. Our goal is to provide effective and cost-efficient solutions that minimize risk and ensure compliance with all state requirements.

We understand that unclaimed property compliance can be challenging, and we are committed to providing our clients with the support they need to succeed. Our team of experts has extensive experience in all aspects of unclaimed property, and we are dedicated to staying up-to-date on the latest regulations and best practices. We believe in building long-term partnerships with our clients, providing ongoing support and guidance to ensure their continued success.

Contact PEACC today. at 410.303.5510, to schedule a FREE consultation and learn how we can help your company achieve and maintain full compliance with unclaimed property laws.

Call PEACC for Compliance
Call PEACC for Compliance 410.303.5510

A Formal Unclaimed Property Reporting Step Process

Prior to reporting any unclaimed property to the States, a formal set of
standard reporting procedures should be developed and followed
including:

1)  Identify and track all unclaimed property.
2)  Set up Liability Account/Spread sheet of all identified unclaimed properties.
3)  Calculate correct State dormancy periods. (most cases 1,3 or 5 years)
4)  Determine if any property may be exempt from State reporting.
5)  Mail out State required Due Diligence/Search letters during State mandated time frames.
6)  Prepare State reports in proper State formats.
7)  Submit reports & remittance to the appropriate State, normally thru the State website portal.
8)  Update records, including Liability account.
9)  Enjoy a cup of coffee, until next year!

Call PEACC for Compliance
Call PEACC for Compliance 410.303.5510

Your Total Source for Unclaimed Property Compliance

Get in touch with us!