With the Nov. 1 deadline to report unclaimed funds quickly approaching, now is a great time to begin the reporting process. Attorneys can create and file reports directly from the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds website to report and direct unclaimed client funds to life-changing housing and legal services for low-income Ohioans.

If you need additional help, you can always reference the Foundation’s Attorney Unclaimed Funds guide. By setting aside time each year to file, attorneys fulfill a legal obligation and contribute to the well-being of communities across Ohio.

Attorney Unclaimed Funds Reporting Checklist

Deadline Nov. 1, annually
Who Must File? • All attorneys are required to submit an annual report to the Division of Unclaimed Funds. A report is required every year, even if an attorney is reporting $0 dollars.
What to Report? The following funds held by attorneys are Attorney Unclaimed Funds and must be remitted to the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds:

(1) Funds held in interest on lawyer trust accounts;

(2) Funds held in an interest on trust accounts;

(3) Residual settlement funds whether for named or unnamed plaintiffs, received by the Division of Unclaimed Funds, and held, paid out, or allocated by the Division pursuant to or consistent with the terms and conditions of the court order authorizing the settlement fund.
What to Remit? • Attorney Unclaimed Funds held by lawyers have a dormancy period of three (3) years. Lawyers must therefore remit to the Division of Unclaimed Funds any Attorney Unclaimed Funds which have remained unclaimed for three years after becoming payable or distributable to the owner.

• Funds are unclaimed when the owner has not responded to attorney outreach or generated activity on any account owned, accepted payment of the funds, corresponded in writing or via email and/or telephone about the funds, or otherwise indicated interest in the funds.
How to File? • Attorneys must file electronically and can do so directly through the Division of Unclaimed Funds website

• Use property code TR88 to designate funds as Attorney Unclaimed Funds
Extra Help  • How-to videos and resources available from the Division

• Contact staff at both the Division and the Foundation