South Dakota Escheat & Unclaimed Property Laws

This page addresses key areas of interest regarding South Dakota unclaimed property and escheatment laws and regulations.

Key South Dakota Unclaimed Property Reporting Deadlines

South Dakota has a fall deadline for annual reporting and remittance. Holders of unclaimed property must report and remit by October 31, except for life insurance companies who must report and remit by April 30.

South Dakota requires electronic reporting.

All holders have an obligation to report abandoned or unclaimed property to the state in order to maintain compliance with South Dakota’s unclaimed property laws and regulations.

South Dakota Due Diligence Requirements

South Dakota requires holders to send due diligence notifications for any property with a value of $50 or more.

This notice shall contain:

  • A statement that according to the records of the holder, property is being held to which the addressee appears to be
    entitled;
  • Information regarding any changes of the name of the holder; and
  • A statement that the property will escheat to the state

South Dakota Dormancy Periods

Dormancy periods in South Dakota vary by property type. Generally, most property types have a three-year dormancy period. Accounts are considered dormant if the owner of a property has not indicated any interest in the property or if no contact has been made for the allotted dormancy period for that property. Dormancy periods in South Dakota for common property types include:

  • Wages, Payroll or Salary: One year
  • Safe Deposit Box Contents: Three years
  • Money Orders: Three years

Still confused or overwhelmed? Try the Sovos UP Compliance Hub

Reporting unclaimed property in South Dakota, and other jurisdictions, can be a stressful process that consumes valuable internal resources. However, when properly managed, the annual reporting and escheatment process does not need to be a burdensome experience.  

The Sovos UP Compliance Hub is a subscription-based service that includes access to multiple educational and operational resources. Sovos compliance experts continuously monitor and update these resources. Compliance Hub subscriptions can be customized to suit your company’s unique business needs and compliance objectives. Connect with the experts at Sovos today to learn more.