Add the Maryland to the list of state agencies and treasurers that would like to do away with the requirement that they run newspaper advertisements to alert owners of unclaimed property. Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot says that eliminating the listing requirement would save the state over $500,000 annually.
Franchot would like to rely exclusively on the online searchable database. He does include in his proposal general advertisements to direct people to the online database. You can search for unclaimed property in Maryland at Maryland's Online Services unclaimed property locator.
Currently, the state Comptroller is required to advertise the list of owners that have property in the most recent reports. The advertisements are placed in local newspapers, at taxpayer cost. There is no cost to claim unclaimed property from Maryland.
More Coverage:
Southern Maryland Online: Comptroller Wants to Quit Sending Paper Supplements, Tax Forms
Maryland Reporter: Comptroller wants to quit sending paper supplements, tax forms
