Wis. Stat. Ch. 177 (WI-RUUPA) · Wisconsin Dept. of Revenue — Unclaimed Property Program
Wisconsin DOR Unclaimed Property, 5-Year AP Clock & Tier 2 Credit Exclusion
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue administers both corporate income/sales tax and unclaimed property—regularly issuing voluntary disclosure outreach to non-filing companies.
Deadline: November 1
Cutoff: June 30
Tier 2 — Credit Balances Only
Zero Report: Conditional
Wisconsin Statutory Dormancy & Compliance Schedule
| NAUPA Property Stream | Statutory Dormancy | Compliance Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Uncashed AP Vendor Checks (CK13) | 5 yrs | Wisconsin provides a statutory exclusion for B2B credit balances/overpayments in an ongoing commercial relationship, while uncashed vendor checks remain reportable after 5 years. |
| Payroll, Wages & Commissions (MS01) | 1 yr | Never B2B exempt; applies to employee final & bonus checks. |
| AR Credit Balances & Overpayments (MS09) | 5 yrs | Write-offs to income do not extinguish reporting obligation. |
| Customer Refunds (MS05) | 5 yrs | Due diligence window: 60–120 days prior to November 1. |
| Gift Cards & Stored Value (GC / MS12) | 5 yrs (exempt if no exp/fees) | Unaddressed cards route to corporate domicile under 2nd Priority. |
| Securities & Dividends (SC01 / SC08) | 3 yrs | First-class mail for items >= $50 |
| Virtual Currency / Digital Assets (VC) | 5 yrs | Verify liquidation vs. native custodial transfer mandate. |
Key Wisconsin Compliance Traps & Enforcement Risks
Tax Audit Integration
Because WI DOR houses both tax and escheatment divisions, a Wisconsin sales or corporate tax audit routinely triggers unclaimed property compliance verification.
Wisconsin DOR Voluntary Disclosure Program
Periodic and ongoing DOR voluntary disclosure agreements waive late penalties and reduce lookback interest.
Statutory Interest & Penalties: 12%–18% interest + civil penalties under DOR audit. Negative Report Policy: Encouraged for registered entities with prior filing history; DOR cross-checks corporate tax returns.
Statutory Questions & Answers
What is Wisconsin's dormancy period for AP checks?
5 years for general AP checks and customer refunds; 1 year for unclaimed payroll.