Search every business name you've used
Search the registered company name, every trading name, any partnership name, and earlier versions of the name if the business has been rebranded or restructured.
Registers match on the name exactly as the institution recorded it, so abbreviations such as Pty Ltd, P/L and Proprietary Limited should each be tried.
Also search the directors' personal names - deposits and refunds are often recorded against an individual rather than the entity.
Deregistered companies
When a company is deregistered, property it still holds vests in ASIC. Money owed to a deregistered company can be claimed by a person who would be entitled to it, or the company can be reinstated to receive it.
For small amounts ASIC can pay a claimant directly. For larger amounts or ongoing assets, reinstatement through ASIC or a court order may be required.
Former directors and shareholders are the usual claimants, and must prove both their role in the company and the company's entitlement to the money.
Where else to look
State revenue office registers hold unclaimed trust money, overpaid duties and refunds owed to businesses. Check every state you have traded in, not only where you are based.
AFSA holds money from insolvent estates. Share registries hold undelivered dividends for corporate holdings, and utility providers and landlords hold unrefunded commercial deposits and bonds.
Tip: Search abbreviations and old trading names separately - registers match text exactly as it was recorded.
Common questions
Official sources
This guide is based on the official Australian registers and the bodies that administer them. Always search and claim through these sites directly - they are free.