Bent County Unclaimed Funds
Bent County unclaimed money searches go through Colorado's statewide system operated by the State Treasurer. People in Las Animas and other parts of the county use the Great Colorado Payback database to find funds. The local treasurer manages property taxes but sends unclaimed property cases to the state. This includes old bank accounts, uncashed checks, and deposits that owners never claimed. All Colorado counties follow the same process for turning over and holding unclaimed property until the rightful owner files a claim.
Treasurer Office Details
The Bent County Treasurer office is at 725 Carson Ave, Las Animas, CO 81054. The phone number is 719-456-1609. This office collects property taxes, handles motor vehicle registration, and performs other duties. Unclaimed property questions are referred to the state program.
When property taxes go unpaid, the county holds a tax lien sale. If the sale brings more money than the debt, the excess belongs to the former property owner. The county holds these overbid funds temporarily. After the legal holding period, unclaimed overbids transfer to the state unclaimed property division.
The Bent County website provides information about local government services. It does not host an unclaimed property search. For that, residents use the state system.
This site offers access to county departments and elected officials. Unclaimed money searches are handled through the Great Colorado Payback program run by the State Treasurer.
Great Colorado Payback
All unclaimed property in Colorado goes to the State Treasurer after businesses cannot locate the owner. The Great Colorado Payback program manages these funds. This covers Bent County and all other counties in the state. The database lists millions of dollars in forgotten accounts and assets.
You can search the Great Colorado Payback database for free. No one should charge you to look. The search takes seconds. Results show the property type, location, and estimated value. If you find something, you file a claim online.
How Property Becomes Unclaimed
An account becomes dormant when there is no owner activity or contact for a set time. For most bank accounts, this is three years. Wages and payroll have a one-year dormancy period. Utility deposits also turn over after one year. Insurance policies take longer, often five years or more.
Before turning property over, the holder must try to contact you. They send letters to your last address on file. If mail returns or you do not respond, they report the property to the state. The state then lists it in the public database and holds the funds until you claim them.
There is no time limit for filing a claim in Colorado. The state holds unclaimed property forever. Even if many years pass, you can still get your money. This protects owner rights while also preventing businesses from keeping forgotten funds.
Searching the Database
Start by entering your full name. If you do not see results, try variations. Use your first and last name only. Try your middle initial. Some records list nicknames or a spouse's name. Search all possibilities to find everything that might be yours.
Check the location listed for each property. If you lived in Las Animas or another Bent County town, focus on those results. Some properties may show neighboring counties if that is where you worked or banked. The database does not filter by county, so you see all statewide matches.
Business owners should search their company name. Vendor checks, customer refunds, and utility deposits for businesses all become unclaimed property. If you ran a farm, ranch, or other business in Bent County, search for that business name. You might find forgotten payments or deposits.
Types of Unclaimed Property
Bank accounts make up the largest share. You open an account and later move away. The bank loses contact. After three years with no activity, the account goes dormant. The bank reports it to the state and sends the balance. Savings, checking, and CDs all work this way.
Uncashed checks are common. Final paychecks, tax refunds, insurance claims, and rebates become unclaimed if not deposited. The issuer holds them for a time, then turns them over to the state. You can still claim the amount even if the original check expired.
Utility and rental deposits create unclaimed property when you close an account with a credit. The company sends a refund. You move before it arrives. Eventually the deposit goes to the state. This includes electric, gas, water, and security deposits from landlords.
Other types include stock dividends, life insurance benefits, safe deposit box contents, and trust distributions. Anything of value can become unclaimed if the owner cannot be found. The state holds all types in the same system.
The Colorado Department of Property Taxation page for Bent County has information about property taxes and assessments. This helps with tax questions but not unclaimed property.
This page provides property tax details for Bent County. For unclaimed money, use the state database.
How to File a Claim
When you find property in your name, click on it to begin the claim process. The online form collects your current address and contact information. You need to prove your identity with a driver's license or state ID. Upload a copy with your claim.
Some claims require proof that you lived at the address shown in the database. An old utility bill, bank statement, or lease can work. The state verifies that the property belongs to you before releasing funds. If they need more documents, they will contact you.
Small amounts usually process with minimal paperwork. Larger claims get more review. Follow the instructions on the claim form. If you have questions, call the state treasurer's office at 303-894-2443. They can explain what you need to submit.
Once approved, you receive payment by check or direct deposit. Most people choose a check mailed to their home. Direct deposit requires your bank account information. There is no fee for either method. The state does not charge to return your property.
Legal Basis
Colorado follows the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act. This law defines what property is unclaimed and how it is handled. It sets dormancy periods for each type of asset. It also explains the duties of businesses, the state, and property owners.
Holders must search for owners before reporting property to the state. If the owner cannot be found, the holder files a report and sends the funds. The state then becomes custodian. Owners can claim their property at any time. There is no deadline.
Scam Prevention
Scammers know about unclaimed property. They send letters saying you have money waiting. Then they ask for a fee to claim it. Do not pay. The state does not charge to search or claim your property. You can do it yourself at no cost.
Some companies offer claim services for a percentage of the funds. This is legal but usually not needed. The process is simple. If you do hire someone, read the contract carefully. Make sure the fee is fair and only charged after you receive your money.
Never give personal information to someone who contacts you first. The state will ask for documents when you file a claim, but they do not make unsolicited calls or emails. Verify everything through the official website before sharing details.
Rural County Resources
Bent County is a rural county in southeast Colorado. Population is small and spread out. Many residents may not have easy internet access. Public libraries sometimes offer computer use for searching the state database. Contact the Las Animas library if you need help getting online.
Agriculture drives much of the local economy. Farm-related payments, crop insurance, and co-op deposits can all become unclaimed property. If you or your family farmed here, search for both personal and business names. You might find old checks or refunds that were never claimed.
Nearby Counties
Bent County is in southeast Colorado. Otero County is to the east. Prowers County is to the south. Crowley County is to the north. If you lived or worked in these areas, search for property there too. The state database covers all Colorado counties, so one search shows everything.
Some residents travel to La Junta in Otero County or other nearby towns for services. You might have bank accounts or business ties in those places. Check the city on each database result to see where the property was held. This helps identify what belongs to you.