Anyone who wishes to stay current on unclaimed property in Colorado news and trends should identify the key websites that track unclaimed property in Colorado and check them periodically for updates. These sites feature current property databases, which can be searched by personal or business name among other criteria. Colorado also conducts periodic auctions of unclaimed property that may be announced in major news outlets.

Businesses are required to report state of CO unclaimed property, such as abandoned safety deposit boxes or dormant bank accounts, after a specified period of inactivity. Therefore, it is especially important for business owners to be aware of the current reporting regulations. Sources of news information on Colorado unclaimed property include the following:

1. Blogs and forums on unclaimed property in CO. These sources provide first-hand accounts of people who have searched for unclaimed property.
2. Independent newspapers and magazines on Colorado unclaimed assets. These sources are the most likely to provide unbiased news and opinions on unclaimed property.
3. Government websites. These sites are the best sources of official news and trends, such as current laws on unclaimed property.
   

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Read informal sources to get inside news on CO unclaimed properties

Blogs and forums contain news on Colorado unclaimed property that may not be found anywhere else. This information may include opinions and comments on the unclaimed property system in Colorado. Blogs and forums also have accounts of personal experiences with obtaining unclaimed property.

I recommend: The Gazette has a blog post on unclaimed property auctions and items in Colorado Springs. Illustrated Designs has a recent post that specifically addresses unclaimed property news in Colorado.

Study sources of unbiased news and trends for unclaimed assets in Colorado

Journalists frequently report news on Colorado unclaimed property in online newspapers and magazines. News coverage may include articles on how to claim money in Colorado or about owners that recovered large sums of money. News stories also cover interviews of people who have recovered unclaimed property in Colorado.

I recommend: CBS4 in Denver has a recent article on unclaimed property in Colorado, with a link to the state's unclaimed property database. The Rocky Mountain News has an interview with the safe deposit box manager for the Unclaimed Property Division of Colorado.

Review official websites on Colorado unclaimed properties websites to get government news

Government websites are the best sources of official news on unclaimed property in Colorado. These sites provide information like current property databases and recent changes in the laws regarding unclaimed property in Colorado. County and city websites also may have their own unclaimed property listings and procedures for claiming unclaimed property.

I recommend: The Colorado Office of State Treasurer has the official lists of unclaimed property in Colorado and the current unclaimed property laws. The Colorado Department of Natural Resources has news on unclaimed property in its possession, such as a current list of expiring warrants.

A court may classify unclaimed property in Colorado as abandoned, lost or mislaid. These classifications have their origins in common law and can therefore be difficult to interpret under modern legal systems. Property that the original owner fails to claim after a specified number of years generally belongs to the finder.

There are specific forms and procedures to follow when claiming unclaimed property in CO. Generally, the state serves as the custodian for abandoned property in Colorado until the appropriate agencies review and approve the finder’s claim. Companies frequently lose property through misfortune or carelessness. Unclaimed property can be an inexpensive way to obtain equipment for your business.

There are general types of unclaimed property in the state of Colorado:

1. Liquid assets such as a dormant bank account, safe deposit contents, unclaimed deposits or refunds, uncashed checks and unused insurance benefits;

2. Abandoned property the original owner is unlikely to return to claim. Certain property such as wrecked cars, ships or aircraft may belong to the state;

3. Property confiscated by law enforcement or repossessed by a loan company. These items are frequently auctioned off to the public.

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Find agencies that handle CO unclaimed properties

Beware of sites that charge you a fee to help you find contact information for the Colorado unclaimed property division. This information should be available from your state government at no charge.

I recommend: Conduct a national search at MissingMoney.com by first and last name or by state. The Unclaimed Property Division keeps databases of unclaimed money in Colorado.

Participate an auction for unclaimed assets in Colorado

Most states have their own auctions to allow prospective buyers to bid on unclaimed or otherwise abandoned property.

I recommend: Policeauctions.com has auctions on a range of seized property and offers free sign-up. PropertyRoom.com auctions property seized by law enforcement agencies across the country.

Search for Colorado unclaimed properties in your city

Some communities in Colorado have a department that attempts to reunite unclaimed property with its owner. This department can answer specific questions regarding lost or abandoned property.

I recommend: The city of Denver holds abandoned vehicles at the Vehicle Impound Facility and stages a vehicle auction every other week. The Property/Evidence Unit for the Durango Police Department is the custodian for all found property within the city limits. The city conducts an auction each summer for all unclaimed property.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The process of turning over unclaimed property in Colorado to the state is called escheatment. In business, this is most commonly an unclaimed pay check and each company must file an unclaimed property report. The company must also make a good faith effort to find the owner.
• •  Unclaimed property in Colorado that the owner deliberately hides or conceals may be a treasure trove instead of mislaid property. The property must remain concealed long enough for the owner to be dead or undiscoverable. A treasure trove may belong to the finder or the property owner.

Advice and ratings on unclaimed property in Colorado primarily consist of information on the best places to look for unclaimed property and the procedures to follow when making a claim. The Colorado government has a single department that assumes custodianship of unclaimed property for the state. County and municipal governments also may have their own unclaimed property, which may need to be turned over to the state after a period of time specified by law.

There are many commercial websites that will search for CO unclaimed properties on behalf of the owner. Prospective customers of these companies should use services with caution, as they frequently offer services that the government of Colorado provides for free. There are three general sources for obtaining advice on Colorado unclaimed property:

1. Blogs on Colorado unclaimed properties. A credible blog or forum may have posts from experts, government officials or people with first-hand experience in recovering unclaimed property.
2. News articles on unclaimed assets in Colorado. Reporters and other journalists can provide unbiased advice on claiming property.
3. Government sites for unclaimed property. These sites are the best sources of official advice on obtaining unclaimed property.
   

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Get advice on unclaimed property in CO from blogs

Blogs with advice on unclaimed property in Colorado contain posts from people who have actually recovered unclaimed property. Experts also may provide general advice on the required procedures for filing a claim for property in Colorado. Government officials sometimes keep blogs about recent changes in unclaimed property law in Colorado.

I recommend: The Colorado Springs Gazette has a blog post with information on recent changes in the way the police department of Colorado Springs handles unclaimed property. Sign of the Times provides a post with advice on unclaimed property and how the government uses unclaimed property in Colorado.

Study news articles that give advice on unclaimed property in the state of Colorado

News articles provide an objective and credible source of advice on unclaimed property in Colorado. These articles typically offer recent facts and figures for unclaimed property in Colorado. They also have instructions for filing a claim and important points of contact.

I recommend: KUSA-TV has an article that offers recent advice and information on unclaimed property in Colorado. KOAA-TV in Colorado Springs reports on unclaimed property auctions and how owners can recover their own property.

Look at official sources of advice on Colorado unclaimed assets

Government sources provide the most current information on unclaimed property in Colorado. They offer advice on the proper forms and procedures to use when making a claim for unclaimed property. Government sources also may have recent updates on the laws regarding unclaimed property in Colorado.

I recommend: The Office of State Treasurer for Colorado provides official information and advice for making a claim on unclaimed property in Colorado. The Denver City Government offers specific advice for owners who wish to claim property from the Property Management Bureau.

When it comes to locating unclaimed property in the state of Colorado, one has to look no further than the treasury office. They are charged with recovering, verifying and returning unclaimed property of all types, including bank accounts, stock certificates, unclaimed refunds, deposits, forgotten paychecks, abandoned real estate and more.

Take the time to learn about some of the terms that are commonly associated with unclaimed property in the state of Colorado so that you can ensure your business follows the proper procedures. Here are some of those terms along with some useful resources to help get you started.

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Colorado unclaimed property list

The Colorado Unclaimed Property List is a document published each year that details the people who have unclaimed property being held by the state. Depending on the amount and type of account, some additional information might also be found on that list, such as the company reporting the unclaimed property and amount of money being held.

I recommend: Visit the website for the Office of the State Treasurer in Colorado for additional information on the unclaimed property list that is generated each year by the state.

Auction calendar

The auction calendar refers to document that details when, where and what items will be auctioned off by a city or Colorado state government. Tangible items such as cars, boats and RVs are auctioned off after being abandoned for a certain amount of time.

I recommend: Go to the official website for Denver, Colorado for more information and an example of an auction calendar found within the state of Colorado.

Prior notice to owner

The prior notice to owner refers to a notice that must be given by the holder of the property to the rightful owner at their last known address before reporting the unclaimed property to the state of Colorado.

I recommend: Go to Toolkit.com for additional information on the prior notice to owner and how it must be filed within the state of Colorado.

Holder

The holder refers to the individual, organization or business that is in possession of the unclaimed or abandoned property. It is incumbent upon the holder to follow certain reporting rules to the state of Colorado.

I recommend: Visit the website for US Legal Law Digest for additional information and further definition of the term holder within the state of Colorado.

Holder reporting

Holder reporting refers to the actual process and procedures the holder must follow in reporting unclaimed property to the state. The rules and regulations are different depending on the nature of the property and how long it has been abandoned. It's best to contact the state of specific guidelines on each type of account.

I recommend: Go to the official state of Colorado website for additional information on the process of holder reporting and how it must be completed within the state of Colorado.

The Great Colorado Payback Program

The Great Colorado Payback Program is the name of the initiative and program being run by the treasury department in the state that has set out to recover and return unclaimed property. The initiative also helps businesses recognize the duties they must follow when in possession of unclaimed property.

I recommend: Check out Government Technology for additional information on The Great Colorado Payback Program and where one can find funds.