Wisconsin is a custodial state. That means owners can always claim their financial assets. There is no time limit on claiming your money from the state. If at any time you can prove this money is yours, the Treasurer will return it to you without charge . Beginning in 1986, if the property is interest bearing at the time is turned over to the State, then the State pays interest at the same rate for a period of 10 years.
Emphasis is placed on voluntary compliance by holders.
However, if the Treasurer finds that a holder has a record of failing to report, consistently files negative reports or files reports that are much lower than holders of the same size, an examination of their records may be conducted. The State Treasurer's office has taken the position that service charges against an unclaimed financial asset are lawful only if there exists a valid, enforceable, written contract between the holder and the owner allowing such charges. All fifty states in the United States have unclaimed property laws. Keep accurate financial records. Record all bank accounts, insurance policies, stock certificates, utility and rent deposits, and your safety deposit box number.