Use government and government-affiliated asset search databases

Unclaimed property databases allow users to search for unclaimed funds held by states' treasury departments. They've grown in popularity after being widely publicized.

I recommend: Try the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. This website includes links to each state's treasury department website. Also, try MissingMoney.com for links to the states' treasury department websites.

Use an asset search firm

If you're willing to pay a fee, asset search services can help you with the process of conducting a business asset search.

I recommend: Try Bearak Reports. They offer an ExpresSearch Series which provides clients with many different search options including personal property and real estate searches. They also offer an ExpresSearch Plus Series and an AssetView Select Series. Another choice is Able Investigations. They have licensed investigators, many of whom have juris doctor degrees.

Learn more about how to search assets and complete the required paperwork to make a claim

The required paperwork varies depending on what type of unclaimed property you find. Many state treasury databases include links to the required forms, and many are often available in PDF format.

I recommend: Read more about unclaimed assets at the United States Department of the Treasury website. Complete the required forms to establish proof of heirship. Unpaid foreign claims require these two forms.