Could you have forgotten money waiting for you at the IRD?
Many New Zealanders may have money waiting for them that they do not even know about. The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) currently holds millions of dollars in unclaimed money from people who have moved house, changed jobs, or simply forgotten about old accounts.
Unclaimed money often comes from sources like forgotten bank accounts, matured investments, or unpaid wages. When a company or bank cannot find the owner of these funds after a certain period, they transfer the money to the IRD for safekeeping. This money stays in the government’s care until the rightful owner comes forward to claim it.
Checking if you are owed money is a straightforward process. You can visit the official IRD website and search their online database using your full name. If your name appears on the list, you will need to provide proof of your identity and your connection to the funds to start the recovery process.
It is important to be cautious when searching for these funds. The IRD warns the public to only use their official website to check for unclaimed money. There are sometimes scams where people pretend to help you find money in exchange for a fee, but legitimate claims through the IRD are free of charge.
If you find that you have unclaimed money, you can submit a claim form directly through the IRD portal. Once your information is verified, the department will process the payment to your bank account. Taking a few minutes to check the database today could result in a pleasant financial surprise.