Conejos County Unclaimed Funds

Conejos County unclaimed money searches go through Colorado's statewide system run by the State Treasurer. Residents throughout the county use the Great Colorado Payback database to find funds. The county treasurer at 6683 County Road 13, Conejos, CO 81129, manages property taxes but refers unclaimed property cases to the state. This San Luis Valley county follows state law for handling forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, and utility deposits. All unclaimed property transfers to the state after the holding period and remains available for owners to claim at any time through the free online database.

Treasurer Office Contact

The Conejos County Treasurer is an elected position. The office is at 6683 County Road 13, Conejos, CO 81129. Call 719-376-5412 for information about property taxes or motor vehicle registration. This office handles local tax collection and related duties. Unclaimed property inquiries go to the state treasurer.

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

The Conejos 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 information. For unclaimed money, residents use the Great Colorado Payback program.

State Unclaimed Property Program

All Colorado unclaimed property goes to the State Treasurer. The Great Colorado Payback program manages these funds for the entire state. This includes Conejos 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. 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 become 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 methods to reach you. After three years, the account must be reported to the state. The bank sends the balance to the State Treasurer.

Wages become unclaimed after one year. An employer sends a final paycheck. You move and do not update your address. The check comes back. 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 too. You close an account with a credit balance. The company sends a refund check. You never cash it. The deposit goes to the state. This includes electric, gas, water, and propane services common in rural 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 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 or maiden names. Search all versions to find everything that might be yours.

Look at the location shown for each property. Conejos County is in the San Luis Valley. Properties may show various small towns throughout the county. Some might list neighboring counties if you banked or worked there. The database does not filter by county, so you see all statewide matches.

Business owners should search their company name. Agricultural businesses dominate Conejos County. Farm payments, crop insurance, and co-op deposits all become unclaimed property. If you or your family farmed here, search for both personal and business names.

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

This page offers property tax details for Conejos 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 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 shown. 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 documentation. Large claims get more review. 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 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 unclaimed property. Checking, savings, and CDs become dormant after three years. The bank sends the balance to the state. Rural counties like Conejos often have 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.

Agricultural payments are common in the San Luis Valley. Crop insurance proceeds, farm subsidies, and equipment vendor refunds can all become unclaimed. Search for any business names associated with farming or ranching.

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 Basis

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 send letters or make calls 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 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.

Rural County Resources

Conejos County is a rural county in southern Colorado. 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.

The San Luis Valley economy relies on agriculture. Farm-related businesses, equipment purchases, and crop sales create potential unclaimed property. If you or your family farmed in Conejos County, search for business names and personal names. You might find forgotten payments or insurance proceeds.

Nearby Counties

Conejos County is in the San Luis Valley. Alamosa County is to the east. Costilla County is to the south. Rio Grande 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 Alamosa for services. You might have accounts there. Check the location on each database result to see where the property was held. This helps identify what is yours.