$55 million for the taking

The IRD today released an updated list on its website of those entitled to claim a share of more than $55 million. File photo / NZ Herald

Thousands of people could be eligible for a share of more than $55 million in unclaimed money.

Inland Revenue Department (IRD) today released an updated list on its website of those entitled to claim the money.

Records dating back to 1973 showed nearly 97,000 cases of unclaimed funds from bank deposits, financial institutions, insurance proceeds, cheques and wages.

"The amounts range from small sums through to just over $371,000 in one case," IRD customer operations group manager Heather Daly said.

"Because people move around so much it can be hard to track them down, so ultimately the money is handed over to Inland Revenue. In the past year we've been able to return more than $1.7 million in unclaimed money."

Ms Daly said the money was not tax refunds and would go in the Government's coffers if not claimed within six years.

- NZPA