Compliance with Louisiana Unclaimed Property Reporting Requirements

All entities operating in Louisiana -- including corporations, partnerships, LLCs, non-profits, governments, sole proprietors, and similar -- are required to remit Unclaimed Property to the Louisiana State Treasurer under the Louisiana Unclaimed Property Law (La. R.S. 9:151-182.).

What Is Unclaimed Property?

Unclaimed property generally refers to financial instruments unclaimed by the rightful owner for a specific "Holding Period".   A list of specified Holding Periods based on type of property can be found here. 

Common examples include:

  • Uncashed payroll or vendor checks

  • Customer overpayments or credit balances

  • Security deposits

  • Refunds or rebates

  • Dormant bank accounts or gift certificates

Business (“Holder”) Responsibilities

  1. Identification:   Review your uncleared bank transactions, unpaid bills, payroll, and customer credits to identify any unclaimed property as of June 30.  

  2. Due Diligence: Attempt to contact the owner via written notice to the last known address.

  3. Reporting: File an annual unclaimed property report using the required electronic format by October 31st.

  4. Remittance:  Send funds to the Louisiana Department of Treasury by October 31st

How to File

Reports must be submitted through Louisiana’s Unclaimed Property Portal.  The site offers filing instructions, due diligence templates, and downloadable software tools for creating reports in the correct format. You may access the site at this link.

Minimum Documentation Required

  • If known: Owner name, last known address, taxpayer identification number.

  • Aggregate amount of items valued under $10 each.

  • Description of any tangible property held in a depository, location held and where may be inspected by the administrator.

  • Date the property became payable, demandable, or returnable.

  • Date of the last transaction with the apparent owner.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to report or remit unclaimed property may result in interest charges, penalties, and audits.   Timely action protects your business from liability and ensures funds are returned to their rightful owners. 

Interest per R.S. 13:4202 (8.25% for 2025) plus penalty:

  • $200/day (up to max $5,000).

  • Willful failure or fraudulent report = $1,000/day (up to a max $25,000), plus $25%

Requests for waivers are considered if acted in good faith and without negligence.

Need Help?

The Louisiana Department of Treasury provides guidance and resources to assist businesses with compliance.

Louisiana Department of the Treasury – Unclaimed Property Division
Phone: (888) 925-4127
Email: unclaimed@treasury.la.gov

 You may also contact our office for assistance. We are always here to help you.

Marketing Coordinator