Washington County Unclaimed Money
Washington County unclaimed money searches start with the state database. Colorado holds lost funds from bank accounts, old paychecks, insurance refunds, and utility deposits. The Great Colorado Payback program manages these assets for free. Type your name in the online search tool to see if property belongs to you. No cost to search. No cost to file a claim. Washington County residents can access the system any time.
Washington County Quick Facts
Unclaimed Property from Washington County
Washington County sits in northeast Colorado. 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 Washington County Treasurer handles local tax collection. That office sits at 150 Ash Ave in Akron. You can reach them at 970-345-2706 with questions about property taxes. But for unclaimed money claims, you work with the State Treasurer in Denver, not the county.
Washington County maintains a website with information about local government services. The county seat is Akron, where county offices are located.
Local businesses in Washington County must report inactive accounts after the dormancy period ends. These funds get sent to Denver each year. The state then lists them in the public database where anyone can search by name.
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 in seconds.
Each result shows the property type, the company that reported it, and a value range. Common types include bank accounts, paychecks, utility refunds, insurance money, and stock dividends. Click any result to view details and start a claim.
Search for different name versions. Try your legal name first. Then try nicknames or maiden names. Business owners should search their company name. You can also search for deceased relatives since heirs can claim property for family members who have passed away.
The Department of Treasury locality page provides contact information for the Washington County Treasurer. This helps with tax matters, but all unclaimed property claims go through the state.
File Your Claim
Filing a claim is free. Most people do it all 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 Washington County address. For property over $1,000, you must get your signature notarized. 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 or probate papers. The state reviews inheritance claims carefully.
State law gives the Treasurer 90 days to review and pay claims. Most finish much faster. The average is 11 days. Check your claim status online. Payment comes by check once your claim is approved.
Types of Unclaimed Money
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.
Common types from Washington 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. Wages become unclaimed after one year. Most other property has a five-year period. Stocks use three years. Money orders stay with the issuer for seven years.
Your property does not disappear once it reaches the state. Colorado keeps it forever. There is no deadline to file a claim. Your Washington County funds sit in the database until you come forward.
Colorado Unclaimed Property Law
State law governs unclaimed property in Washington County. The rules appear in Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38, Article 13. Colorado adopted the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act in 2019.
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. If the owner responds, the property stays with the holder.
House Bill 25-1224 changed local government rules in 2025. All cities, counties, and districts now must comply with unclaimed property law. They report dormant accounts by November 1 each year.
Requirements for Businesses
Washington County businesses that hold dormant accounts must report them to the state. Most businesses file by November 1. Insurance companies use a May 1 deadline. Late reports can result in penalties. Businesses with questions can email Holders@state.co.us for guidance.
Get Help
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 FAQ page covers common topics. Learn what types get reported, how long claims take, and whether there are fees.
Colorado participates in MissingMoney.com, which searches multiple states at once. Use this if you have lived outside Washington County.
Note: Never pay anyone to help you file a claim for unclaimed money in Washington County.