Ann Arbor Unclaimed Money

Ann Arbor residents can search for unclaimed money through Michigan's free statewide database and through Washtenaw County for any tax-related funds. Common sources include dormant bank accounts, forgotten utility deposits, old insurance payouts, and uncashed refund checks from the city or county. Ann Arbor has no city income tax, and the city's Treasury Division handles property tax billing and refunds. Washtenaw County manages delinquent accounts and any surplus from tax foreclosure sales.

Michigan State Unclaimed Property

Michigan's Department of Treasury runs the statewide unclaimed property program. Banks, insurance companies, utilities, and other businesses must report funds to the state when they cannot locate the owner. The state holds the money indefinitely. There is no deadline for the owner to file a claim, and searching is always free.

The statewide database is at unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov. The program has returned more than $675 million to Michigan residents.

Enter your last name to search. If you find a match, file a claim directly on the website. You will need to confirm your identity, and for higher-value claims the state may ask for additional documentation. Questions can go to (517) 636-5320 or TreasUPD@michigan.gov.

Ann Arbor's large student and transient population means many people move away without collecting refunds or closing accounts. Checking under all past names and former addresses is worth the time. Former residents of Ann Arbor who have since moved to other states can also file claims.

What Gets Reported

Businesses report accounts dormant for three years. This covers bank accounts, payroll checks, stock dividends, security deposits, and more. Life insurance proceeds are reported after three years of no contact. Safe deposit box contents come to the state after five years of no rental payment on the box.

Ann Arbor City Treasury Division

Ann Arbor's Treasury Division sits within the Finance and Administrative Services department. It handles property tax billing, collections, and payments for city accounts. Ann Arbor does not collect a local income tax. Property taxes follow the standard Michigan schedule: summer taxes are billed July 1 and due July 31, and winter taxes are billed December 1 and due December 31.

The city's website is a2gov.org, where residents can manage tax accounts and review payment options.

The a2gov.org portal gives access to tax payments, account lookup, and city financial contacts.

The city offers several ways to pay. Online payments go through a2gov.org. You can also pay by phone at (844) 694-9302, by mail, in person at Larcom City Hall (1st Floor Customer Service Center), or via the 24-hour drop boxes on Ann Street and at the City Hall north entrance. If you believe you have an overpayment or unclaimed refund on a city account, call (734) 994-2833 to request a review.

Washtenaw County Treasurer

Unpaid Ann Arbor property taxes transfer to the Washtenaw County Treasurer after March 1 of the following year. The county charges interest on delinquent balances. If taxes go unpaid for three years, the property can enter tax foreclosure under Michigan law.

See the full Washtenaw County unclaimed money page for more details. To reach the county directly:

If you receive a notice about delinquent taxes or want to check a balance, contact the county directly. Washtenaw County has been involved in litigation related to tax foreclosure surplus funds, which resulted in reforms to how the county handles these claims. Local housing resources include MSU Extension at (734) 222-9595, Housing Bureau for Seniors at (734) 998-9339, and Legal Services of South Central Michigan at (734) 665-6181.

Tax Foreclosure Surplus Funds

If your Ann Arbor property was sold at a Washtenaw County tax foreclosure auction for more than the amount owed, you may have a right to the surplus. The 2020 Michigan Supreme Court ruling in Rafaeli LLC v Oakland County held that counties must return excess sale proceeds to former owners.

Washtenaw County follows the standard Michigan process under MCL 211.78t:

• Obtain Form 5743 from Washtenaw County or download it from the state website.
• Submit the completed form to the Washtenaw County Treasurer by July 1 of the year following the foreclosure sale.
• Use Form 5744 to respond and formally assert your claim by January 31.
• If a surplus exists and the county does not resolve it, file a motion in Washtenaw County Circuit Court between February 1 and May 15.

The July 1 deadline is critical. Do not miss it. If you think your former property may have sold for more than the tax debt, call (734) 222-6600 or email taxes@washtenaw.org to ask about the sale outcome and any surplus held for your parcel.

Even if you did not expect a surplus, it is worth asking. Auction results can sometimes produce a sale price well above the tax debt, particularly in a competitive market.

Michigan Tax Foreclosure Timeline

Michigan runs a three-year tax foreclosure process. Here is how it works:

• Year 1, March 1: Taxes become delinquent. A 4% administration fee is added, plus 1% per month in interest.
• Year 2, March 1: The property enters forfeiture. The county begins formal proceedings and options to pay and redeem become limited.
• Year 3, April 1: Foreclosure is finalized. The county takes title and can sell the property at auction.

At any point before the final foreclosure date, the owner can pay the full balance to stop the process. Once the property sells, the only option is a surplus claim. Acting early matters.

Legal Aid Resources

Ann Arbor residents have strong local and statewide options for free help with unclaimed money and tax issues.

• Michigan Legal Help: michiganlegalhelp.org has plain-language guides and self-help tools covering unclaimed property, delinquent taxes, and surplus claims.
• State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service: Call (800) 968-0738 or visit lrs.michbar.org to find a local attorney for property or tax matters.
• Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF): Visit michigan.gov/mihaf for grants of up to $25,000 for homeowners who fell behind on taxes or housing costs.
• Legal Services of South Central Michigan: (734) 665-6181. Free civil legal help for qualifying low-income residents in the Ann Arbor area.
• MSU Extension Housing Counselors: (734) 222-9595. Housing counseling and financial guidance for Washtenaw County residents.
• Housing Bureau for Seniors: (734) 998-9339. Assistance for older Ann Arbor residents dealing with housing and financial issues.

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