I always assumed that stores and restaurants just pocketed the money when gift cards went unused. You know, like that $5 Starbucks card you got for Christmas but misplaced, probably amidst a bunch of wrapping paper. It's estimated that of the nearly $100 billion in plastic gift cards issued in 2007 (half of it in November and December), nearly $8 billion will go unused.

But a Businessweek article told what happens in half of the states: unused gift cards are subject to unclaimed-property laws. Shoulda known the government would want a cut. The state must wait 2-5 years to collect, but they're patient.

I've got an Applebees gift card in my wallet. Started at $25, and I've got $1.67 left. If I lose that card, it's just unclaimed property, and in a few years, Applebees will need to write the State of Indiana a check for at least part of that $1.67. Interesting.