Find Unclaimed Money in Warren
Warren residents can search for unclaimed money at the state level through Michigan's free database, and also through Macomb County for tax-related funds. Unclaimed money in Warren comes from dormant bank accounts, forgotten security deposits, uncashed refund checks, insurance proceeds, and similar sources. Warren does not collect a local income tax, which simplifies the local picture somewhat, but the Macomb County Treasurer handles delinquent property taxes and any surplus funds from tax foreclosure sales. This guide explains where to look and how to file a claim.
Warren Overview
Michigan State Unclaimed Property Search
The Michigan Department of Treasury collects unclaimed funds from banks, insurance companies, employers, utilities, and other holders when they lose contact with account owners. These funds are held by the state with no deadline for the original owner to claim them. The state has returned over $675 million to Michigan residents to date.
Michigan's free statewide unclaimed property database is at unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov.
Search by name for free. Over $675 million has been returned to Michigan residents.
To check for Warren funds, go to the site and enter your last name. The search will show any property the state has on file matching your name. If you find a listing, you can file a claim online or by mail. You will need to verify your identity. For amounts over a certain threshold, additional documentation such as proof of address history may be required. Contact the state at (517) 636-5320 or TreasUPD@michigan.gov if you have questions about a claim. Warren is Michigan's third-largest city, so a considerable number of records pass through this database from the metro area.
City of Warren Treasurer
The City of Warren Treasurer manages property tax billing, collections, and city financial accounts. Warren does not have a city income tax, so the main local tax matters involve property taxes. The Treasurer's office processes payments, handles billing questions, and can assist if you believe you have an overpayment or credit on your account.
The city's website is at cityofwarren.org.
The Warren City Treasurer's office handles property tax payments and billing corrections.
| Department | City Treasurer, City of Warren |
|---|---|
| Treasurer | Lorie Barnwell |
| Address | One City Square, Warren, MI 48093 |
| Phone | (586) 574-4554 |
| Fax | (586) 574-4698 |
| Website | cityofwarren.org |
If you believe the city owes you a refund for overpaid property taxes or water/sewer fees, call the Treasurer's office directly. They can look up your account and initiate a correction if one is due. Uncashed refund checks eventually make their way to the state's unclaimed property program, so check both sources.
Macomb County and Delinquent Property Taxes
Property taxes that remain unpaid in Warren are transferred to the Macomb County Treasurer after March 1 of the year following the tax year. At that point, Macomb County Treasurer Lawrence Rocca's office takes over collection. The county adds interest and fees. If the taxes remain unpaid for three years, the property can enter foreclosure under MCL 211.78.
You can reach the Macomb County Treasurer at (586) 469-5190 or by email at treasurer@macombgov.org. The county's website is at macombgov.org/treasurer. If you have a delinquent tax bill you did not know about, or if you want to confirm a payoff amount, contact the county treasurer directly.
Warren residents can also pay delinquent Macomb County taxes online through the county's portal. Look up your parcel by address or parcel ID number to see the outstanding balance.
Tax Foreclosure Surplus Funds: Macomb County Process
If a Warren property is foreclosed for unpaid taxes and then sold at a Macomb County tax auction for more than the amount owed, the former owner can claim the surplus. The 2020 Michigan Supreme Court ruling in Rafaeli v. Oakland County established that former owners have a right to those excess proceeds.
Macomb County follows the standard Michigan process under MCL 211.78t. The steps are:
- Get Form 5743 (Notice of Intention to Claim Interest in Foreclosure Sale Proceeds) from the Macomb County Treasurer's office or download it online.
- Submit the completed form to the Macomb County Treasurer by July 1 of the year following the foreclosure sale.
- If the county confirms a surplus exists, you will need to file a motion in circuit court to receive payment.
The July 1 deadline matters. Missing it could mean losing your claim for that cycle. If you think your former property may have sold for more than the taxes owed, call (586) 469-5190 and ask the Macomb County Treasurer's office to check the sale outcome and any surplus amounts held for your parcel.
Surplus amounts can be meaningful, especially for properties that had equity well above the tax debt. Do not assume there was no surplus without checking first.
Legal Aid and Free Help
Warren residents looking for free help with unclaimed property or tax foreclosure surplus claims can turn to several resources.
- Michigan Legal Help at michiganlegalhelp.org has self-help guides covering unclaimed property, delinquent taxes, and surplus fund claims. Start here if you are not sure where to begin.
- State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service at lrs.michbar.org, phone (800) 968-0738. They can match you with a local attorney who handles property or tax matters.
- Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund at michigan.gov/mihaf may help if you fell behind on property taxes due to pandemic-related hardship.
- Macomb County Community Services can connect residents with local legal aid and housing assistance programs.
If your surplus claim involves a significant amount, a private attorney who handles tax foreclosure cases may be worth consulting. Many take these cases on contingency.