Many Colorado residents have money or other assets held by the state for safekeeping. The government actively works to return this property to its rightful owners through a program designed to reunite individuals and businesses with their forgotten funds. Exploring whether you have unclaimed assets is a straightforward process.
What is Unclaimed Property in Colorado?
Unclaimed property consists of financial assets that a business or financial institution owes to an individual but cannot deliver. This happens when the owner moves without updating their address, forgets about an account, or passes away without heirs being located. Common examples include uncashed paychecks, dormant savings or checking accounts, insurance payments, utility security deposits, and unredeemed gift certificates.1Colorado Public Law. C.R.S. 38-13-201 – When Property Presumed Abandoned The contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes can also become unclaimed property.
In Colorado, these assets are turned over to the State Treasurer’s Office, which manages the “Great Colorado Payback” program. This consumer protection initiative safeguards the property indefinitely until the rightful owner or their heir files a claim. There are no time limits for claiming your property. The program holds assets for individuals, corporations, schools, and other organizations.
Information Needed to Start Your Search
To conduct an effective search, gather specific information beforehand. For an individual, this includes your full current name and any former names, such as a maiden name. You should also collect a list of all your previous addresses. Having your Social Security Number can also help in verifying ownership later in the process.
For businesses searching for unclaimed property, the process is similar. You will need the full legal name of the business and any previous names it may have operated under. It is also important to have the company’s Employer Identification Number (EIN) available. Compiling a list of all current and former business addresses will make the search more precise and increase the likelihood of finding a match.
How to Search for Unclaimed Property in Colorado
The official search for unclaimed property is conducted through the Great Colorado Payback website, managed by the State Treasurer, at colorado.findyourunclaimedproperty.com. The site has a search interface where you can enter your information. You can begin a search with just a last name or a business name.
After entering a name, the system will display a list of potential matches, showing the owner’s name, their last known address, and who reported the property. Review these results to see if any belong to you or a relative. If you find a property that appears to be yours, you can select it and begin the claims process from the search results page. The system will assign a unique claim ID number for you to reference.
Required Documentation to Make a Claim
After identifying property through the online search, the system generates a claim form that you must complete. To prove ownership, you will need to provide specific documentation to the State Treasurer’s Office. A primary requirement is a clear copy of a valid photo identification, such as a state-issued driver’s license or ID card.
You must also provide proof of your connection to the address listed on the unclaimed property record, such as an old utility bill, bank statement, or tax return. Additionally, you will need to submit proof of your Social Security Number, which can be a copy of your Social Security card or a W-2 form. If claiming property on behalf of a deceased relative, you must also provide the death certificate and legal documents, like a will or trust, that establish your right to claim the asset.
Submitting Your Unclaimed Property Claim
Once you have filled out the claim form from the state’s website and gathered all supporting documents, you are ready to submit your claim. The primary method for submission is mailing the physical documents to the Great Colorado Payback office. The specific mailing address is provided on the claim form itself.
When preparing your submission, make sure all copies of your documents are clear and readable, as the state cannot process illegible claims. Unless specifically instructed, you should send copies, not original documents, and keep the originals for your personal records. Securely packaging all the required materials together helps ensure that your claim arrives complete.
What Happens After You Submit Your Claim
After you mail your claim form and documents, the Great Colorado Payback office will begin the verification process. The state reviews the information to ensure you are the rightful owner by comparing your documentation against the information on file. Processing times can vary based on the complexity of the claim and the volume of claims being handled.
During the review, the office may contact you if they require additional information to approve your claim. If your claim is approved, the state will process the payment or the return of the tangible property. You can check the status of your submitted claim through the official state website where you initiated the search.