How the Generalitat can keep the money from inactive bank accounts: what you need to know

The Administration can retain the balance of bank accounts inactive for more than 20 years, but only after notifying three months in advance. This measure affects both individuals and heirs and provides legal certainty to the process.

Many people have several bank accounts and often one is forgotten with a pending balance. It also happens in cases of people who die without known heirs, leaving the money in accounts without movement. The State has a legal mechanism to recover these funds and allocate them to social purposes.

Conditions for the Administration to keep the money

What determines that an account is considered inactive?

An account is considered inactive when it has not had any movement or management that implies exercising property rights for a period of 20 years. This is the legal basis for the State to claim these funds.

Why is this regulation relevant for account holders?

If you have accounts you have not touched for a long time, it is possible that, without knowing it, they are about to be taken over by the Administration. This requires paying attention to any bank communication to avoid losing control of your funds.

Notification and fund transfer procedure

How and when do they notify you before the State withdraws the money?

The bank must inform the holder or their heirs with a prior notice of three months before the deadline for the Administration to keep the balance expires. This notification is essential to guarantee that the holder has the opportunity to act.

What happens if there is no response to the notice?

If there is no response to the notice and the indicated three months pass, the money will be automatically transferred to the Public Treasury. This measure serves to prevent fraud and money laundering, ensuring that these funds are not lost.

Destination and use of the collected funds

Where does the balance of inactive accounts go?

The State cannot use this money for just anything. It must be allocated to finance programs that improve the educational conditions of people with disabilities and extend universal accessibility in environments, goods, services, and processes.

Why is this usage restriction important?

This limitation ensures that recovered funds serve social causes and are not diverted to other purposes, promoting transparency and social justice.

Requirements and steps to avoid losing the balance

• Keep personal and contact information updated with the bank.
• Respond to any communication or notice about inactive accounts.
• Make some movement or management on the account before the deadline expires.
• Inform heirs or family members in case of death so they can act in time.

What documents should be ready in case of notifying an inactive account?

• Personal documentation of the holder or heir (ID card, NIE).
• Documentation proving account ownership.
• Bank statements that prove the inactivity or movements of the account.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Ignoring notifications or emails from banks or the Administration.
• Not keeping contact information updated with the financial institution.
• Being unaware of legal deadlines and not making any movements for 20 years.
• Forgetting to inform heirs about existing accounts.

It is essential to pay attention to any received notice to avoid your money passing to the State unintentionally. The notification with three months’ notice is key to acting in time and avoiding unpleasant surprises.

The reality is that this money, once transferred to the Public Treasury, is allocated to specific social causes, but it is best not to lose control over personal and family accounts.

If you have bank accounts that you have not used for a while, check their status and keep active contact with the bank. This way you will avoid your finances being affected by this legal process.