Understanding Unclaimed Property and Keeping Your Account Active

What Is Unclaimed (or Abandoned) Property?
US states and territories have unclaimed or abandoned property laws and programs. The purpose of these unclaimed property laws is to:

• Protect the property rights of owners and reunite them with their funds.
• Provide a central point of contact for owners to claim unclaimed funds.

Each state’s program is unique. Generally, these programs require banks, fund companies, brokerage firms, etc., to report and remit abandoned property to the state after a designated dormancy period – a process called escheatment. States look at return mail and/or shareholder-initiated contact when defining abandoned property. Each state has unique laws and unique dormancy periods regarding unclaimed property. Note that all account types, including retirement accounts, are subject to the relevant state's unclaimed property laws. Additionally, you should be aware that the IRS now requires for 10% withholding to be applied to escheated IRA assets.

Steps Natixis Takes to Protect Your Account
Natixis tracks uncashed checks and maintains records on accounts indicating returned mail and/or date of last contact. Prior to a check or account being escheated, Natixis makes an effort to reach out to the asset holders so that they may easily re-establish contact. These outreach letters may ask you to take one of the following actions to protect your account:

• Go to the web address shown on the letter and enter the referenced Control Number in the space provided.
• Sign and date the letter and return it to the address provided.
• Call the number provided on the letter, speak with an abandoned property specialist, and provide the Control Number referenced in the letter.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Account

• Log into your account online at https://www.im.natixis.com/us/account-access and view your account. Please note, visiting our website without logging into your account will not keep your account active.
• Call a Natixis Funds customer service representative at 800-225-5478, or if you are outside the United States 617-483-8325. Our business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern time. Inform the customer service representative that you would like to review your account and establish contact.
• Notify us promptly of any change in name or address.
• Cash all distribution and redemption checks you receive promptly.

What to Do if Your Mutual Fund Assets Are Escheated
Each state and US territory has its own requirements for individuals to find and claim escheated property. You should contact your state treasurer or controller for specific information. You may also use the link below provided by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (“NAUPA”), which, in turn, provides links to search for unclaimed property in each state.

Useful External Links/Resources Regarding Unclaimed Property

• www.sec.gov/fast-answers/answersescheathtm.html
  On this webpage, the US Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") provides a description of escheatment and the escheatment process.
• www.finra.org/investors/insights/lost-property
  On this webpage, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") explains dormancy periods and the lost property process, and provides tips on how to hold on to your property.
• www.unclaimed.org
  On this webpage, the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators ("NAUPA") provides links to search for unclaimed property in every state.