El Paso County Unclaimed Property Search

El Paso County is the most populous county in Colorado outside the Denver metro area. Over 720,000 people live here, with Colorado Springs as the county seat. Unclaimed money from El Paso County goes through the state database called the Great Colorado Payback. This includes old bank accounts, uncashed checks, and utility deposits. Many residents have funds waiting. The search is free and takes just minutes. No time limit exists to claim your money. Whether you lost track of an account last year or 30 years ago, the funds stay there until you file a claim.

El Paso County Treasurer Office

The El Paso County Treasurer handles property tax collection and tax lien sales. The office is at 27 E Vermijo Ave in Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Phone is 719-520-7900. The El Paso County Treasurer website has info on tax bills, payment options, and tax sales. The site also has a FAQ page that answers common questions about property tax and other matters.

Under Colorado law, excess funds from tax lien sales go to the county general fund per CRS 39-11-115. This means if a property sells for more than the taxes owed, the extra money goes to El Paso County, not the state unclaimed property system. However, mortgage foreclosure overbids are held by the Public Trustee. If you think you have money from a foreclosure, contact the Public Trustee office in El Paso County.

For most unclaimed property like old bank accounts and uncashed checks, El Paso County residents use the state database. The treasurer office does not manage these types of unclaimed funds. They all go to the Great Colorado Payback system. The Colorado Department of Property Taxation tracks each county treasurer through their locality page for El Paso County. This page lists contact details and services.

Search the Great Colorado Payback

All El Paso County residents use the Great Colorado Payback to search for unclaimed money. This state run database includes lost funds from every source. Old bank accounts from Colorado Springs banks are there. Uncashed checks from Fort Carson or other employers are there. Utility deposits from Colorado Springs Utilities are there. The site is free and fast to use. Type your name and see what shows up.

El Paso County has a high number of unclaimed properties due to its large population. Many residents work at military bases like Fort Carson or Peterson Space Force Base. Military families move often, which leads to unclaimed property from old accounts and forgotten checks. Students at UCCS and other schools may leave behind utility deposits or uncashed refunds. All of this money ends up in the state database.

To search, go to the state website. Enter your last name and first name in the search box. The site shows all matches for your name across Colorado. Click on each match to see details like the amount and who reported the property. Some listings show an exact amount. Others just say a value range. Write down the property ID for any claim you want to file. You need this number when you complete the claim form online.

Common types of unclaimed money in El Paso County include:

• Bank accounts from Ent Credit Union, Vectra Bank, and others
• Uncashed paychecks from military base employers
• Utility deposits from Colorado Springs Utilities
• Property tax refunds
• Insurance claim settlements
• Stock dividends and investment accounts
• Rental security deposits

File Your Claim for Unclaimed Money

Once you find unclaimed money under your name, file a claim through the state website. You need to create an account first. The claim form asks for your name, address, and contact info. You also upload proof of your identity. A driver license or military ID works for most claims. The state checks your documents to make sure the money goes to the right person. This protects against fraud and identity theft.

For larger claims or old properties, the state may ask for more proof. This can include old bank statements, LES from military pay, or utility bills that show you lived at the address tied to the claim. El Paso County residents should gather any records that link them to the unclaimed funds. If you moved from Colorado Springs to Fountain or another town in the county, bring mail from both addresses. The state needs to see a clear link between you and the property.

Most claims get approved within a few weeks. The state sends a check to your current address. Some complex claims take longer if the state needs more documents or has to verify old records. There is no fee to claim your money in El Paso County or anywhere in Colorado. The state does not take a percentage. You get the full amount. If you need help with the claim process, call the state treasurer office. They have staff who can walk you through each step and answer your questions.

Note: Claims for deceased relatives need proof that you are the heir or executor of the estate before the state will release the funds.

El Paso County Resources

Pikes Peak Library District has locations throughout El Paso County. All branches offer free internet access for residents who need to search the state database. The main library is at 20 N Cascade Ave in Colorado Springs. Phone is 719-531-6333. Library staff can help you get started with your search. They can show you how to use the website and where to find the claim form. This is helpful if you do not have internet at home or need help using a computer.

For legal help with a claim, El Paso County has many law firms that handle estate and probate matters. If you are claiming money for a deceased relative, you may need an attorney to help with the probate process. The El Paso County Bar Association can refer you to a lawyer. Their website lists attorneys by practice area. Some offer a free first meeting to discuss your case. If the claim involves a business or military benefits, you may need a specialized attorney.

El Paso County government offices may have old records that tie to your unclaimed property search. If you think you have an unclaimed refund from a county office, call that department. They can check their records and tell you if the money was sent to the state. The county finance office may also have info on old vendor payments or contracts that resulted in unclaimed funds. Fort Carson and other military installations have their own systems for unclaimed pay, so check with them directly if you think you have money from military service.

Cities in El Paso County

El Paso County includes Colorado Springs and many other cities and towns. All residents use the same state database to search for unclaimed money. Whether you live in the city or a smaller town, search your name on the Great Colorado Payback site.

Other places in El Paso County include Manitou Springs, Security-Widefield, Cimarron Hills, and Calhan. All use the state system for unclaimed property searches.

Nearby Counties

El Paso County borders several other counties along the Front Range. All use the same state database for unclaimed money. If you lived or worked in multiple counties, search once and see all your unclaimed property in one list.