Chaffee County Unclaimed Funds
Unclaimed money in Chaffee County goes through the Colorado state system managed by the State Treasurer. Residents in Salida, Buena Vista, and other parts of the county use the Great Colorado Payback database to search for funds. The county treasurer handles property taxes at 104 Crestone Ave, Salida, CO 81201, but refers unclaimed property cases to the state. Mountain communities like Chaffee County often have seasonal residents who leave behind forgotten accounts when they move. The state database holds these funds indefinitely until owners file claims.
County Treasurer Details
The Chaffee County Treasurer is an elected position. The office is at 104 Crestone Ave, Salida, CO 81201. Call 719-539-2513 for information about property taxes or motor vehicle registration. This office collects taxes and handles related county duties. Unclaimed property inquiries go to the state treasurer.
Property tax sales may create overbid funds when a property sells for more than the debt. The county holds these temporarily. If no one claims them, the funds transfer to the state unclaimed property division. Most people find overbids by searching the state database.
The Chaffee County website provides information about local government services. It does not host unclaimed property searches. Those go through the state system.
This site offers access to county departments and elected officials. For unclaimed money, residents use the Great Colorado Payback program.
Great Colorado Payback
All Colorado unclaimed property goes to the State Treasurer. The Great Colorado Payback program manages these funds. This covers Chaffee County and all other counties. Businesses report unclaimed property after the owner cannot be reached. The state lists it in a public database.
You can search the Great Colorado Payback database for free. No one should charge you to look. Enter your name and see if any property appears. The system shows the type, location, and approximate value.
How Funds Become Unclaimed
Bank accounts become dormant after three years of no activity or contact. The bank sends statements to your last address. If they come back, the bank tries other ways to reach you. After three years, the account must be reported to the state. The bank sends the balance to the State Treasurer.
Wages and payroll have a one-year dormancy period. Your employer sends a final check. You move and do not update your address. The check comes back undelivered. After a year, the employer reports the wages to the state. You can claim them later with no deadline.
Utility deposits become unclaimed after one year. You close your account with a credit balance. The company sends a refund. You never cash it. The deposit goes to the state. This includes electric, gas, water, and propane deposits common in mountain areas.
Insurance policies create unclaimed property when beneficiaries cannot be found. A life insurance benefit is paid but the company cannot locate the heir. After several years, the benefit goes to the state. The rightful person can still claim it many years later.
Searching the Database
Start with your full name. Try variations if nothing shows up. Use first and last name only. Add your middle initial or full middle name. Some records list nicknames, maiden names, or a spouse's name. Search all possibilities.
Look at the location listed for each property. Chaffee County properties may show Salida, Buena Vista, or other local towns. Some might list neighboring counties if you worked or banked there. The database does not filter by county, so you see all statewide matches.
Business owners should search their company name. Vendor payments, customer refunds, and business deposits all become unclaimed property. If you ran a tourism business, outfitter, or other local company, search for that name. Try old names if the business changed.
Seasonal residents should search using all addresses where they received mail. Vacation homes and temporary addresses may be tied to unclaimed property. The database shows the last known address, which helps identify what is yours.
The Colorado Department of Property Taxation page for Chaffee County provides property tax information. This helps with tax questions but not unclaimed property.
This page offers details about property tax administration in Chaffee County. For unclaimed money, use the state database.
Filing a Claim
When you find property, click on it to begin a claim. The form asks for your current address and contact information. You need proof of identity like a driver's license or state ID. Upload a scan or photo with your claim.
Some claims need proof that you lived at the address shown. An old utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement can work. The state verifies ownership before releasing funds. They will contact you if more documents are needed.
Small amounts usually require less documentation. Larger claims get more review. Follow the form instructions. Call 303-894-2443 if you have questions. State treasurer staff can explain what you need to submit.
Payment arrives by check or direct deposit once approved. Most people get a check by mail. Direct deposit requires your bank account information. There is no fee for either method. The state does not charge to return your property.
Types of Property
Bank accounts are the most common type. Checking, savings, and CDs become dormant after three years. The bank sends the balance to the state. Mountain communities have high turnover, so many accounts get left behind when people move.
Uncashed checks include payroll, tax refunds, insurance claims, and rebates. These become unclaimed if not deposited within the holding period. The issuer reports them to the state. You can claim the value later.
Security deposits from landlords and property managers are common in tourist areas. If you rented in Chaffee County and did not get your deposit back, check the state database. It may have been reported as unclaimed.
Other types include stock dividends, safe deposit box contents, court settlements, and trust distributions. Any asset can become unclaimed if the owner cannot be found.
Legal Basis
Colorado follows the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act. This law defines dormancy periods for different types of property. It sets rules for reporting and holding unclaimed funds. Owners never lose the right to claim their property. There is no time limit.
Holders must search for owners before reporting to the state. If the owner cannot be found, the holder files a report and remits the funds. The state lists the property publicly and holds it until claimed.
Scam Prevention
Scammers target people with unclaimed property. They send notices saying you have money waiting. Then they ask for a fee to claim it. Do not pay. The state never charges to search or file claims. Do it yourself for free.
Some companies offer claim services for a cut of the recovery. This is legal but usually not needed. The process is simple. If you hire someone, read the contract. Make sure the fee is fair and only charged after you get your money.
Never give personal information to someone who contacts you first. The state asks for documents when you file a claim, but they do not make cold calls. Verify everything through the official website.
Mountain Community Resources
Chaffee County is in the Rocky Mountains. The economy relies on tourism and outdoor recreation. Many businesses are seasonal. Employees who worked for the summer may have forgotten final paychecks. Business owners may have vendor refunds or deposits they left behind.
Public libraries in Salida and Buena Vista offer computer access for searching the state database. Library staff cannot help with claims but can direct you to the website. This is helpful for residents without internet at home.
Nearby Counties
Chaffee County borders Lake County to the north, Park County to the northeast, Fremont County to the east, and Saguache County to the south. If you lived or worked in these areas, search for property there too. The state database covers all counties in one search.
Some residents travel to Leadville or Canon City for services. You might have accounts in those areas. Check the location on each database result to see where the property was held. This helps identify what is yours.