Cheyenne County Unclaimed Property

Cheyenne County unclaimed money searches use Colorado's state program run by the State Treasurer. Residents in Cheyenne Wells and surrounding areas access the Great Colorado Payback database to find funds. The county treasurer at 51 S 1st St, Cheyenne Wells, CO 80810, handles property taxes but directs unclaimed property questions to the state. This rural county in the eastern plains follows state law for handling forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, and utility deposits. All unclaimed property ends up in the statewide database where owners can search and file claims for free.

Treasurer Office Information

The Cheyenne County Treasurer is an elected position. The office is at 51 S 1st St, Cheyenne Wells, CO 80810. Call 719-767-5664 for questions about property taxes or motor vehicle registration. This office collects local taxes and handles related duties. Unclaimed property cases go to the state treasurer in Denver.

Property tax sales may generate excess funds when a property sells for more than the debt owed. The county holds these overbid funds briefly. If no one claims them, they transfer to the state. Most people find these funds by searching the state database later.

State Unclaimed Property System

Colorado requires all unclaimed property to go to the State Treasurer. The Great Colorado Payback program manages these funds. This includes money from Cheyenne County and every other county. Businesses report property after they cannot reach the owner. The state lists it in a public database.

You can search the Great Colorado Payback database for free any time. Enter your name and see if property appears. The system shows the type, location, and approximate value. File a claim online if you find a match.

How Property Becomes Unclaimed

Bank accounts turn dormant after three years of no owner contact or activity. 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. The bank sends the balance to the state.

Wages become unclaimed after one year. Your employer sends a final paycheck. You move and do not update your address. The check comes back. After a year, the employer reports it to the state. You can claim the wages later with no deadline.

Utility deposits are another common source. You close an account with a credit balance. The company sends a refund check to your old address. You never get it. After a year, the deposit goes to the state. This includes electric, gas, water, and propane.

Insurance policies create unclaimed property when beneficiaries cannot be found. A policy pays out but the company cannot locate the heir. The benefit goes to the state after several years. The rightful person can still claim it much later.

Searching the Database

Enter your full name to search. Try variations if nothing appears. Use first and last name without middle name. Add your middle initial or full middle name. Some records list nicknames or maiden names. Search all versions to find everything.

Look at the city shown for each result. Cheyenne County properties will likely show Cheyenne Wells or other small towns. Some might list neighboring counties if you banked or worked there. The database covers the entire state in one search.

Business owners should search their company name. Farm payments, vendor checks, and business deposits all become unclaimed property. Agriculture dominates Cheyenne County. If you ran a farm or ranch, search for that business name. Try old names if you changed it.

The Colorado Department of Property Taxation page for Cheyenne County provides property tax information. This helps with tax questions but not unclaimed property.

This page offers property tax details for Cheyenne County. For unclaimed money, use the state database instead.

Filing a Claim

When you find property, click on it to start a claim. The form asks for your current address and contact details. 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 you lived at the address listed. An old utility bill, bank statement, or lease can work. The state verifies ownership before releasing funds. They contact you if more documents are needed.

Small claims usually require less paperwork. Large claims get more scrutiny. Follow the form instructions. Call 303-894-2443 with questions. State treasurer staff can explain what you need to submit.

Payment comes by check or direct deposit once approved. Most people get a check in the mail. Direct deposit requires your bank account number. There is no fee for either method. The state does not charge to return your property.

Types of Property

Bank accounts are the top source of unclaimed property. Checking, savings, and CDs become dormant after three years. The bank sends the balance to the state. Rural counties like Cheyenne have many older residents who may have forgotten accounts.

Uncashed checks include payroll, tax refunds, insurance payments, and rebates. These become unclaimed if not deposited. The issuer reports them to the state. You can claim the value later even if the original check expired.

Agricultural payments are common in eastern Colorado. Crop insurance proceeds, co-op dividends, and vendor refunds can all become unclaimed. If you or your family farmed in Cheyenne County, search for both personal and business names.

Other types include stock dividends, safe deposit box contents, court settlements, and trust funds. Any asset can become unclaimed if the owner cannot be located. The state holds everything in one system.

Legal Framework

Colorado follows the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act. This law sets dormancy periods for different types of property. It defines reporting requirements and owner rights. You never lose the right to claim your property. There is no time limit.

Holders must try to contact owners before reporting to the state. If the owner cannot be found, the holder files a report and sends the funds. The state lists the property publicly and holds it until claimed.

Scam Prevention

Scammers target people with unclaimed property notices. They send letters 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 percentage of the recovery. This is legal but often not needed. The process is simple. If you hire someone, read the contract. 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 asks for documents when you file a claim, but they do not make cold calls or unsolicited emails. Verify everything through the official website.

Rural County Considerations

Cheyenne County is one of Colorado's least populous counties. Many residents may have limited internet access. Public libraries or county offices may offer computer use for searching the database. Ask locally if you need help getting online.

Rural areas often have older unclaimed property because people move away and lose track of accounts. If you once lived in Cheyenne County but moved elsewhere, search anyway. Your old address may still be in the database.

Agriculture drives the economy. Farm-related businesses, equipment purchases, and crop sales all create potential unclaimed property. Search for any business names associated with farming or ranching. You might find forgotten vendor payments or insurance proceeds.

Nearby Counties

Cheyenne County is in the far eastern part of Colorado. It borders Kansas to the east. Kit Carson County is to the north. Kiowa County is to the south. Lincoln County is to the west. 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 Burlington or Limon for services. You might have accounts in those towns. Check the location on each database result to see where the property was held. This helps identify what is yours.