Washington Escheat and Unclaimed Property Laws
| State | Reporting Period | Deadline | Due Diligence | Negative Report | Voluntary Disclosure Agreement | Reporting Method | Remittance Method | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | July 1 to June 30 | Before October 31 | $75 minimum, written notice to last known address sent between May 1 and August 1. Email diligence per RUUPA legislation. | Required if you have reported previously, been sent a compliance letter or participated in an on-site consultation visit | Available | Electronic only, NAUPA II format, file extension: .txt, .hrs, or .rpt, submitted through online portal. Manual entry also available on the online portal. | Funds: ACH Debit, ACH Credit, Credit, Debit, Wire Securities: DTC, DRS or DWAC | Washington Unclaimed Property |
The current statutes that govern unclaimed property in Washington can be found here along with the Guide to Report Unclaimed Property. Washington has not enacted the 2016 Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (RUUPA).
Washington Unclaimed Property Reporting Period
The annual reporting period for unclaimed property in Washington is July 1 to June 30.
Washington Unclaimed Property Due Diligence Requirements
Holders of unclaimed property must perform due diligence to show that they attempted to find the rightful owner of unclaimed property. For any balance greater than $75, written notice must be sent to the owners last known address between May 1 and August 1. Email diligence per RUUPA legislation. Keep records to prove that due diligence was completed including whether mail was returned as undeliverable.
Washington Unclaimed Property Reporting and Remittance Deadline
Annual reports and remittances are due before October 31.
Washington Unclaimed Property Reporting Format
Reports must be electronic only and in the NAUPA II file format. File formats accepted are .txt, .hrs and .rpt. These formats can be generated through the HRS Pro software. The HRS Pro software has a limited free version that has restrictions including one user, one company and less than 100 properties per state report.
Washington Unclaimed Property Reporting and Remittance Method
Reports can be submitted on on the state portal. Funds can be transferred through ACH Debit, ACH Credit, Credit, Debit or Wire. Securities can be transferred through DTC, DRS or DWAC.
Washington Unclaimed Property Negative Reports
Negative reports refer to reports that need to be filed when there is no unclaimed property to report or remit to the state for the year. Washington requires negative reports if you have reported previously, been sent a compliance letter or participated in an on-site consultation visit.
Washington Unclaimed Property Voluntary Disclosure Agreement (VDA)
In some states, the unclaimed property Voluntary Disclosure Agreement (VDA) provides the opportunity for holders of unclaimed property to voluntarily report and remit past unclaimed property. If accepted by the state, the holder is then exempt from fines and penalties that cover the VDA period. The holder is expected to maintain strict compliance with state unclaimed property laws after the VDA period. VDAs are usually available on a one-time basis only to holders that are not already under state audit. Washington does have a VDA program.
Washington Unclaimed Property Dormancy Periods
Dormancy periods for unclaimed property in the state of Washington vary, refer to the Guide to Report Unclaimed Property.
More information from the state of Washington on unclaimed property reporting can be found here. Join our growing network of businesses that are using the Escheatify HolderExchange to prevent escheatment by reconciling their pre-escheat unclaimed property. Contact us to learn more.