Inheritance to the State of Thuringia: Record Number of Unclaimed Estates
Surge in Unclaimed Inheritances
The German state of Thuringia has experienced a significant increase in unclaimed inheritances, with a record 939 such cases recorded in 2022. This represents a substantial rise from 850 cases in 2023 and a more than doubling of the number of unclaimed inheritances over the past 15 years.
Absence of Heirs and Social Trends
The main reason for these unclaimed inheritances is the absence of eligible heirs, often due to the deceased not having any close relatives or their relatives being unable to be located. Social experts also attribute this trend to increased loneliness among elderly people before their passing.
Additionally, an increasing number of legal or testamentary heirs are rejecting inheritances due to excessive debt. In 2022, the state of Thuringia received around 5.7 million euros in inheritance revenue, up from 4.1 million euros in 2023. However, the state must also cover inheritance-related expenses, including repayments to rightful heirs who emerge later.
Financial Implications
While the influx of unclaimed inheritances may appear beneficial, Finance Minister Katja Wolf emphasizes that the reality is often far from lucrative for the state. Many of these estates include heavily indebted properties with dilapidated buildings, resulting in expenses for administration and disposal that far exceed the value of the assets.
In 2024, the state incurred costs of approximately 2.1 million euros related to inheritance administration and property management.
Asset Inventory and Disposal
In addition to the monetary value of the inheritances, the state also acquires property, including land, buildings, and movable assets such as vehicles and personal belongings. In 2022, Thuringia inherited 695 land parcels or shares and 215 additional parcels discovered in 2024. The Land Office for Finance is currently responsible for managing and disposing of nearly 5,300 land parcels, with 343 sold in the previous year.
Unpaid Debts and Legal Liabilities
The state also inherits unpaid bills, such as utility charges, rent arrears, taxes, credit card payments, and even funeral expenses. These liabilities must be assumed by the state as the legal successor to the deceased’s estate.
Conclusion
The increase in unclaimed inheritances in Thuringia reflects a growing societal issue of loneliness and the absence of close relatives. While the state receives revenue from these estates, the costs of administration, property management, and debt repayment often outweigh its financial gain. The state’s inheritance portfolio includes a wide range of assets and liabilities, requiring careful management and disposal to minimize losses and fulfill legal obligations.
