Search Clear Creek County Unclaimed Property
Clear Creek County unclaimed money goes through Colorado's state system managed by the State Treasurer. Residents in Georgetown, Idaho Springs, and other mountain communities use the Great Colorado Payback database to find funds. The county treasurer at 405 Argentine St, Georgetown, CO 80444, handles property taxes but refers unclaimed property to the state program. This mountain county has many seasonal residents and tourism workers who may have left behind bank accounts or uncashed checks. The state holds all unclaimed property indefinitely until owners file claims through the free online system.
County Treasurer Office
The Clear Creek County Treasurer is an elected position. The office is at 405 Argentine St, Georgetown, CO 80444. Call 303-679-2334 for questions about property taxes or motor vehicle registration. This office collects property taxes and performs other local duties. Unclaimed property questions go to the state treasurer.
Property tax sales may create excess proceeds when a property sells for more than the debt. The county holds these overbid funds temporarily. If no one claims them, they transfer to the state. Most people find these funds by searching the state database.
The Clear Creek County website provides information about local government. It does not host unclaimed property searches. Those go through the state system.
This site offers access to county services and departments. For unclaimed money, residents use the Great Colorado Payback program.
State Database System
All Colorado unclaimed property goes to the State Treasurer. The Great Colorado Payback program manages these funds. This covers Clear Creek County and all other counties. Businesses report property after they cannot contact the owner. The state lists it in a public database.
You can search the Great Colorado Payback database for free. Enter your name and see if property appears. Results show the type, location, and estimated value. File a claim online if you find a match.
How Funds Become Unclaimed
Bank accounts become dormant after three years of no contact or activity. The bank tries to reach you at your last address. If they cannot, the account must be reported to the state. The bank sends the balance to the State Treasurer. Clear Creek County has high resident turnover due to tourism and seasonal work.
Wages have a one-year dormancy period. An employer sends your 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 time limit.
Utility deposits become unclaimed after one year. You close an account with a credit. The refund check goes to your old address. You never cash it. The deposit goes to the state. This includes electric, gas, water, and propane common in mountain areas.
Insurance policies create unclaimed property when beneficiaries cannot be found. A policy pays out but the company cannot locate the heir. After several years, the benefit goes to the state. The rightful person can still claim it decades 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 or maiden names. Search all versions to find everything.
Look at the location shown for each property. Clear Creek County properties may show Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Silver Plume, or other towns. Some might list Denver or other nearby counties if you worked there. The database covers the entire state in one search.
Business owners should search their company name. Tourism businesses, restaurants, and shops often have vendor payments or deposits that become unclaimed. If you ran a business in Clear Creek County, search for that name. Try old names if it changed.
Seasonal workers should search too. If you worked at a ski area, restaurant, or hotel, you might have a forgotten paycheck. Many seasonal employees move frequently and lose track of final wages.
The Colorado Department of Property Taxation page for Clear Creek County provides property tax information. This helps with tax questions but not unclaimed property.
This page offers property tax details for Clear Creek County. For unclaimed money, use the state database.
Filing a Claim
When you find property, click on it to start 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 copy with your claim.
Some claims need proof you lived at the address listed. An old utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement can work. The state verifies ownership before releasing funds. They contact you if more documents are needed.
Small amounts usually process quickly with minimal paperwork. Larger claims require more proof. Follow the form instructions. Call 303-894-2443 with questions. State treasurer staff can explain what you need.
Payment comes by check or direct deposit once approved. Most people get a check by mail. Direct deposit requires your bank account number. There is no fee. 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.
Uncashed checks include payroll, tax refunds, insurance claims, and rebates. These become unclaimed if not deposited. The issuer reports them to the state. You can claim the value later.
Security deposits from landlords are common in tourist areas. If you rented in Clear Creek 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. The state holds everything in one system.
Legal Framework
Colorado follows the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act. This law sets dormancy periods and reporting rules. Holders must try to contact owners before reporting to the state. The state holds the property until the owner claims it. There is no time limit.
Owners never lose rights to their property. The state acts as custodian, not owner. This protects your money while preventing businesses from keeping forgotten funds.
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 percentage 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
Clear Creek County is in the Rocky Mountains along I-70. The economy relies on tourism, skiing, and outdoor recreation. Many businesses are seasonal. Employees who worked summer or winter seasons may have forgotten final paychecks.
Public libraries in Georgetown and Idaho Springs offer computer access for searching the database. Library staff cannot help with claims but can direct you to the website. This helps residents without internet at home.
Vacation homeowners should search too. If you own property in Clear Creek County but live elsewhere, you might have utility refunds or other deposits waiting. Use all addresses where you received mail.
Nearby Counties
Clear Creek County borders Jefferson County to the east, Gilpin County to the northeast, Summit County to the west, and Park 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.
Many people commute from Clear Creek County to Denver or work at ski areas in Summit County. You might have accounts in those places. Check the location on each database result to see where the property was held.