San Juan County Unclaimed Property

San Juan County unclaimed money appears in the state database with funds from across Colorado. The Great Colorado Payback program holds over $2.5 billion in lost bank accounts, forgotten paychecks, and unclaimed insurance refunds. Search the free online system with your name to see if property belongs to you. No cost to search or file a claim. San Juan County residents follow the same process as people in other parts of the state when looking for unclaimed funds.

Unclaimed Funds in San Juan County

San Juan County is one of the least populous counties in Colorado, but residents can still have unclaimed money waiting for them. Local banks, employers, and businesses must turn over dormant accounts to the State Treasurer. The county government does not hold these funds. All unclaimed property goes to Denver under state law.

The San Juan County Treasurer handles local tax collection and property assessments. That office sits at 1557 Greene St in Silverton. You can reach them at 970-387-5673 with questions about property taxes. But for unclaimed money claims, you work with the State Treasurer in Denver, not the county.

Even in a small county like San Juan, unclaimed property exists. Bank accounts go dormant when people move away. Employers hold final paychecks for seasonal workers who leave without updating their address. Utility companies keep deposits from closed accounts. All of these funds eventually make their way to the state database.

Search the State Database

The Great Colorado Payback website provides free access to search the database. Type your name in the search box. The system checks over 16.5 million names and shows all matches. Results appear fast on your screen.

Each result tells you the property type, the company that reported it, and a value range. Common types include bank accounts, paychecks, utility refunds, and insurance money. Click any result to view details and start a claim. The site guides you through each step of the claim process.

Search for different name versions to find all property. Try your legal name first. Then try nicknames or maiden names. Business owners should search their company name and any former names used in San Juan County. You can also search for deceased relatives since heirs have the right to claim property for family members who have passed away.

The Department of Treasury locality page provides contact information for the San Juan County Treasurer. This resource helps people find local offices, but all unclaimed property claims go through the state.

The database updates throughout the year. Most businesses report by November 1. Insurance companies report by May 1. New San Juan County property appears regularly as companies file their annual reports with the State Treasurer.

How to File a Claim

Filing a claim is free and simple. Most people do it entirely online. Find your name in the database first. Click to start a claim. The website walks you through each step and tells you what documents to submit.

Basic claims need proof of identity and proof of address. Use a driver's license or state ID. Add a utility bill or bank statement with your current San Juan County address. For property worth more than $1,000, you must get your signature notarized on the claim form. Smaller claims do not need a notary.

Claims for deceased owners need extra documentation. Submit a death certificate. Also submit proof that you have the right to claim the property, such as a will, probate papers, or an affidavit of heirship. The state reviews inheritance claims carefully to ensure property goes to the rightful heir.

State law gives the Treasurer 90 days to review and pay claims. Most finish much faster. The average is 11 days. More complex claims may take longer if extra verification is needed. Check your claim status online using the tracking tool. Payment comes by check once your claim is approved.

Types of Unclaimed Property

Many financial assets end up as unclaimed property. Bank accounts go dormant when people move. Employers hold paychecks that never get cashed. Utility companies keep deposits from closed accounts. Insurance companies have proceeds that were not claimed.

Common types from San Juan County include:

• Bank accounts inactive for five years
• Uncashed payroll checks after one year
• Utility security deposits
• Insurance proceeds and refunds
• Stock dividends and bond interest
• Safe deposit box contents
• Vendor refunds or overpayments

The dormancy period varies by property type under Colorado law. Wages become unclaimed after one year. Most other property has a five-year period. Stocks and dividends use three years. Money orders stay with the issuer for seven years before transfer to the state.

Your property does not disappear once it reaches the state. Colorado keeps it forever. There is no deadline to file a claim. Your San Juan County funds sit in the database until you come forward. The state cannot take ownership or spend your money.

Colorado Unclaimed Property Law

State law governs unclaimed property in San Juan County and across Colorado. The rules appear in Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38, Article 13. Colorado adopted the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act in 2019. This law took effect on July 1, 2020.

Businesses must perform due diligence before reporting property. For accounts worth $50 or more, holders must send written notice to the owner's last known address. This notice goes out between 60 and 120 days before the report deadline. If the owner responds, the property stays with the holder.

House Bill 25-1224 changed local government rules in 2025. All cities, counties, and special districts now must comply with unclaimed property law. They report dormant accounts by November 1 each year, just like businesses. This applies to San Juan County government entities as well.

Requirements for Businesses

San Juan County businesses that hold dormant accounts must report them to the state. This includes banks, employers, utilities, retailers, and professional services. Even small shops must comply if they have unclaimed property to report.

Most businesses file by November 1. Insurance companies use a May 1 deadline. Holders submit reports online and remit funds at the same time. Late reports can result in penalties. Businesses with questions can email Holders@state.co.us for help.

Get Help with Your Claim

The State Treasurer's Office answers questions about unclaimed property. Call 303-866-6070 from Denver or 800-825-2111 toll-free. Phone support runs Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Mountain Time. Email GreatCOPayback@state.co.us with questions.

The office sits at 200 E. Colfax Ave., Room 141, Denver, CO 80203. You can visit in person during business hours if you need help with a complex claim. Bring all documents with you for staff review.

The FAQ page covers common topics about unclaimed property. Learn what types get reported, how long claims take, and whether there are fees. Read the FAQ before calling so you understand the basics.

Colorado participates in MissingMoney.com, which searches multiple states at once. Use this tool if you have lived outside San Juan County or outside Colorado.

Note: Never pay anyone to help you file a claim for unclaimed money in San Juan County.