$5m just waiting to be collected By RYAN BRIDGE -
The Dominion Post
05:00 31/05/2010
More than $5 million of the public's money is languishing in Inland Revenue's bank account, waiting to be claimed.
Thousands of Kiwis are owed a share of the $5m, none of whom know it is theirs. Most of the unclaimed money comes from wages, cheques, bank deposits, and insurance proceeds dating back to 1973.
All unclaimed monies are transferred from banks and financial institutions to the IRD after six years. Figures obtained by The Dominion Post confirm $5.1m in unclaimed money is owed to businesses and individuals for the financial year ending March 2010. The IRD stresses that the money is not tax refunds – it is just held until an owner is found.
The amount up for grabs in 2010 is up 39 per cent from $3.7m the previous year, to March 2009.
IRD senior media adviser Catherine Delore said the unclaimed amount fluctuated from year to year depending on how much was received and how much claimed.
A list of people owed money, and the amount, is available on the IRD website. Unless claimed, the money is held indefinitely.
Find Your Name To see whether you're owed money visit
www.ird.govt.nz/unclaimed-money.
If your name is on the list, write to Inland Revenue or email
unclaimed.monies@ird.govt.nz.
You must include your name, address, IRD number and proof of identity.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3756166/5m-just-waiting-to-be-collected
