According to the Texas Comptroller's ClaimItTexas.org website, unclaimed property in excess of $2 billion has been returned to its rightful owners in recent years.  At the Galveston County Tax Office we are committed to do the same and have made many process improvements to increase our ability to locate owners of refunds that are returned or uncashed.

Changes in ownership, value and exemption status along with overpayments and clerical errors results in an abundance of tax refunds each month.  The vast majority make it to the rightful owner fairly quickly but many make their way back to our office because the recipient has moved or a new address has not been provided either to our office or the county appraisal district.  Often, title companies have closed their file and too much time passes for them to even be able to assist.

Many other refunds are uncashed - predominantly those associated with motor vehicle transactions - due to the small amount of the refund.   

When we are unable to, with certainty, identify a current address for a recipient or the recipient's identity, the refund will be added to one of the pdf listings included below.  These are sorted by city then name of the owner of the refund.  Check the site periodically for updates if you are a current or former owner of property in Galveston County or the Cities of Friendswood and League City (we collect for both and their boundaries extend into two counties) or if you have registered or titled a vehicle or boat.  

How to Reclaim Property Tax Refunds

If you or a family member own or owned one of the properties listed in the year shown, complete the application below, include any of the acceptable documentation listed below to support the claim and email to Refunds@co.galveston.tx.us. You may also place documents in a yellow drop box located at each full time GCTO branch office or mail a completed form and documents to:

GCTO Unclaimed Refunds
722 21st Street
Galveston, TX 77550

Acceptable Documentation: proper identification and proof of ownership (i.e. copy of deed, deed of trust, will, utility bill, voter registration certificate, Texas drivers license or ID or other document that includes the address of the property for the year of refund shown)

You may obtain a printed copy of the refund listing at any GCTO branch location along with the application form.

Only signed requests submitted via the form below that includes proper documentation will be accepted. You will be contacted within 10 days of our receipt to discuss the status of your claim.

How to Reclaim Motor Vehicle or Other Refund

Email Refunds@co.galveston.tx.us or galcotax@co.galveston.tx.us.  Note "Motor Vehicle or Other Refund Claim" in the subject line.  In the body of the email refer to the amount of the refund and date issued from listing along with plate number of any vehicles registered in Galveston County that the refund may be associated with and address where it would have been registered.  Include your telephone number and a member of the Accounting Team will contact you to confirm whether the refund is indeed yours.

Cheryl E. Johnson, Galveston County Tax Assessor Collector

Current Listing of Unclaimed Refunds

 Property Tax Refunds 3.18.24

Documents and Forms