Hinsdale County Unclaimed Property

Hinsdale County Government

Hinsdale County has a treasurer who handles property tax collection. The main county office is at 311 Henson St in Lake City, CO 81235. Phone is 970-944-2225. The Hinsdale County website has contact info for all departments. Office hours may vary due to the county's very small staff. Call ahead if you plan to visit in person to make sure someone is there to help you.

The treasurer office does not manage unclaimed property directly. Any unclaimed funds from tax refunds or other county sources go to the state database after a set period. The Colorado Department of Property Taxation tracks each county treasurer through their locality page for Hinsdale County. This page shows contact details and what services the office provides in this small rural county.

If you think you have an unclaimed tax refund from Hinsdale County, start by searching the state database. Most old refunds end up there after a few years. You can also call the treasurer office to ask about old tax records. They may be able to look up past payments and tell you if a refund was sent to the state. The county clerk may also have old records that tie to property or business matters.

Search the Great Colorado Payback

All Hinsdale County residents use the Great Colorado Payback to search for lost funds. This state database includes unclaimed property from every county in Colorado. Old bank accounts, uncashed checks, and utility deposits all end up here. The site is free to use and takes just a few minutes. Type your name and see what comes up. Even in a small county like Hinsdale, people find money they forgot about.

Hinsdale County has many seasonal residents and vacation homes. Some properties sit vacant most of the year. This can lead to unclaimed utility deposits or old tax refunds. People who visited or worked in the area years ago may have left behind accounts. All of this money ends up in the state database. The good news is that you can claim it at any time. No time limit exists for filing a claim through the state system.

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

Types of unclaimed property that may exist in Hinsdale County include:

• Old bank accounts from regional banks
• Uncashed checks from past work or services
• Property tax refunds
• Utility deposits from closed vacation homes
• Insurance policy payouts
• Mineral rights royalties

Hinsdale County's remote location means limited banking and business services. Many residents do business in Gunnison or other nearby towns. This can make it harder to track old accounts. The state database brings everything together in one place. You can search for funds from any county or city in Colorado with just your name.

How to File a Claim

Filing a claim starts with finding your property in the state database. Once you see a match, create an account on the state website. The claim form asks for your name, address, and proof of identity. Upload a copy of your driver license or state ID. For most claims, this is enough to prove you are the right person. The state checks your documents and approves the claim if everything matches.

Some claims need more proof, especially for larger amounts or very old properties. The state may ask for extra documents like old bank statements or utility bills that show you lived at the address tied to the claim. Hinsdale County residents should gather any old records that link them to the unclaimed funds. If you lived in Lake City or another part of the county years ago, bring mail or bills from that address to support your claim.

Most claims get approved in a few weeks. The state sends a check to the address you give. There is no fee to claim your money. Colorado does not take any part of it. You get the full amount. If you need help with the claim process, call the state treasurer office. They have staff who can answer questions and help you fix problems with your claim.

Note: Claims for deceased relatives require proof that you are an heir or the executor of the estate.

Resources for Hinsdale County Residents

Hinsdale County has very limited local services due to its small population. The county clerk and treasurer offices can help with some questions about old records. If you think you have an unclaimed tax refund, call the treasurer at 970-944-2225. They may be able to check old records and tell you if a refund was sent to the state. The county clerk may also have old property records that tie to your search.

For internet access to search the state database, you may need to use services in Gunnison or another nearby town. Lake City has seasonal services. If you need help with the search, ask staff at local businesses or the county office. Some older residents find it easier to search with help from someone who knows the website. Many Hinsdale County residents travel to Gunnison for services including library access.

If you need legal help with a claim, contact an attorney in Gunnison or another nearby town. Hinsdale County does not have law firms due to its very small size. For claims involving a deceased relative, you may need to go through probate court. The Hinsdale County Combined Court can tell you what steps to take. Their office is at 311 Henson St in Lake City. Phone is 970-944-2228. They handle probate and estate matters for the county.

Nearby Counties

Hinsdale County borders several other counties in the San Juan Mountains. All use the same state database for unclaimed money. If you lived in more than one county, search once and see all your unclaimed property in one list.