The Riverside County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office is currently seeking nearly 2,000 residents who may be entitled to more than $1.6 million in unclaimed funds. A minimum of $480,000 is due for disbursement but risks being lost due to the statute of limitations.
In an April 30 press release from the county, Riverside County Treasurer-Tax Collector Matthew Jennings stated that his office has been actively trying to contact potential claimants. "All forms of communication will be used to get the money to their rightful owners," Jennings added.
According to the press release, the county has compiled a list of eligible claimants who have until August 1 to respond. Once this 90-day window closes, any remaining unclaimed funds will be transferred into the county’s general fund.
Los Angeles CW affiliate KTLA News reported that these funds have remained unclaimed due to roll changes resulting in refunds. The station further explained that roll changes occur as a result of an escape assessment - an assessment of a property that was either not assessed or under-assessed on the original roll - or a correction. Such a change necessitates the Treasurer-Tax Collector mailing a form to the individual owed a refund, who then has four years to complete it.
The release advised anyone with unclaimed funds nearing the statute of limitations deadline to visit https://apps.countytreasurer.org/unclaimedrefund or call (951) 955-3900.