By Regina Higginbotham, Unclaimed Property Division

The West Virginia Uniform Unclaimed Property Act requires all business associations including financial organizations, utility companies and other legal entities to file an Unclaimed Property report before November 1^st of each year for any presumed abandoned property they may be holding as of June 30^th of that year. Unclaimed Property laws have been in effect for years and most businesses are old pros at filing their annual Unclaimed Property reports. But what if you are a new business owner? Or, what if the person who filed the reports for the last 30 years decides they are going to retire? Would you know where to begin? Even if you do know, are you aware of any changes to the laws? Are you using the most advanced methods available to make reporting for your company the easiest process possible?

Those are just a few of the reasons why the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office holds annual Holder Workshops and Forums to help keep the holder community informed. The workshop covers the very basic “What is Unclaimed Property” to “Filing Your Report Online: E-Holder” and on to “Advanced Topics”. The programs wide range of subject matter ensures it is appropriate for those just learning the process and provides up to date information for those who already know the drill.

This year’s State Holder Workshops will be held on March 17, 2015 at the Bridgeport Conference Center and March 26, 2015 at the Comfort Inn in Martinsburg. Obviously the person who files the Unclaimed Property report should attend but it is also beneficial for CPA’s, Attorney’s, Accounting or Audit Managers and Law Enforcement personnel as well. There is a break-out session for Law Enforcement Officers and their staff since stolen property has specific requirements that do not pertain to other property types.

The Workshop is completely FREE and those attending are eligible to receive five CPE credits or five CLE credits, including one hour of CLE Office Management Credit.  Law Enforcement attendees receive two hours Annual In-Service Training credit. Complimentary breakfast and lunch is provided. If you would like to sign up for the State Holder Workshop please click here to register and see the complete agenda.  

We hope you are able to attend one of the workshops but if not, you can always contact the Unclaimed Property Division at 800-642-8687 with reporting questions or just visit our website.