Lodge unclaimed money
Lodging unclaimed money online is a two-step process:
- Send us the unclaimed money details - such as the customer's name and unclaimed money amount - in an unclaimed money file (see file template and instructions below).
- After we review the file, we will send you an email containing the details for transferring the unclaimed money.
Creating an unclaimed money file
Follow these steps to create a valid unclaimed money file.
- Review the unclaimed money holding periods to ensure your business has held the unclaimed money for the required time.
- Download the unclaimed money file template (XLSX, 35 KB) and read the template instructions to avoid common mistakes.
- Validate the unclaimed money file by installing the unclaimed money file validator tool (ZIP, 13.3 MB) and reading the validator tool instructions (PDF, 560 KB)
If you are having difficulty creating a valid unclaimed money file, please contact our Unclaimed Money Unit on (07) 3564 2757 or via email at unclaimedmoney@pt.qld.gov.au. Please allow up to 2 business days for a response.
Holding periods
| Business or entity type | Legislation | Holding period |
|---|---|---|
| Solicitors | s.713 Legal Professions Act 2007 | Funds held on or before the 01/04/2021 |
| Real estate agents (excluding RTA bond money) | s.33 Trust Accounts Act 1973 | Funds held on or before the 01/04/2021 |
| Accountants | s.33 Trust Accounts Act 1973 | Funds held on or before the 01/04/2021 |
| Auctioneer (including chattels) | s.33 Trust Accounts Act 1973 | Funds held on or before the 01/04/2021 |
| Storage lien-money owing | s.15 Storage Liens Act 1973 | Funds have been held for 28 days following the sale of property |
| Hospitals and institutions | s.105 Public Trustee Act 1978 | Funds have been held for 3 months prior to intended lodgement date |
| Pawnbrokers | s.64 Second-hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 2003 | Funds have been held for 12 months following the sale of property |
| Share registries for ASX listed companies | s.98-102 Public Trustee Act 1978 | Funds have been held for 2 years prior to intended lodgement date |
| Utility providers | s.98-102 Public Trustee Act 1978 | Funds have been held for 2 years prior to intended lodgement date |
| Government departments (including local councils) | s.98-102 Public Trustee Act 1978 | Funds have been held for 2 years prior to intended lodgement date |
| General business (holding account) | s.98-102 Public Trustee Act 1978 | Funds have been held for 2 years prior to intended lodgement date |
*Real estate agents please note that under no circumstances can the Public Trustee accept funds relating to Residential Tenancy Authority bonds.
**In the instance of unclaimed or abandoned property, Real Estate Agents please refer to s.363-365 and s.392-395 Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008.