How to check if IRD has unclaimed money with your name on it
The IRD is currently holding more than $600 million in unclaimed funds.
Did you know that the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) might be holding unclaimed money with your name on it? If you're unsure, visiting the IRD website is a good idea, as there are over $600 million in unclaimed funds listed as of June 2025 - an increase from previous years. Unclaimed money can occur in various situations, such as an old bank account you haven't used for years or unpaid wages from over five years ago.
It could also be money left at a hotel or hostel after six months of inactivity, or proceeds from life insurance policies, court cases, or prisoners' allowances. The Māori Trustee may hold funds for you if they remain unclaimed for at least 10 years. Other reasons for unclaimed money include awards from court cases or allowances for prisoners.
The Unclaimed Money team at IRD identifies potential owners and sends letters inviting them to submit claims. These claims are processed throughout the year. You can search for yourself on the IRD website or through myIR, where you'll need to provide information to confirm you're the rightful owner, such as past contact details, old statements, letters, or a copy of a will.
Once your claim is processed, you'll receive the money within 10-12 weeks, though processing times may be longer due to current demand. It's essential to attach as much evidence as possible to avoid further delays. Remember, always claim your unclaimed funds from the official IRD website to avoid scammers.
Written by urgent.news from RNZ Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
