FAQS
Claiming Property
How do I STAKE MY CLAIM?
Click here and begin your search for unclaimed property through our website, or contact our office if you have any questions, or need assistance. If the information you provide is a match to a name on the list, the Unclaimed Property Office will send you a claim form to fill out and return. Along with the form, you will need to submit proof of ownership/heirship. The claim form you receive will list the required documentation.
If my account “sits” collecting interest or dividends with a financial institution, isn’t it still active?
No. Even if interest or dividends are automatically deposited into your account it is not considered active unless you have contact with the financial institution or business. To keep an account active, you must contact the financial institution, insurance company or other business by phone or mail, or just cash or deposit a check in the account. A financial institution or business may even cross-reference an inactive account with an active one to keep it open.
Will I be able to reactivate my bank account?
Yes, a financial institution or company can always reactivate your account, or pay you directly. The Colorado Treasury will reimburse them upon request and proof that you were paid. This is a policy decision for each company.
What about my safe deposit box?
Safe Deposit boxes become dormant and reportable to the State Treasury as unclaimed property five years after the rent has expired. You should check with your financial institution about other rules that apply to your safe deposit box. If you or a relative have lost track of a safe deposit box, please contact the Treasurer's office after checking with the financial institution.
What about my CD or IRA?
Certificates of Deposit (CD) become inactive five years after the date of maturity if your financial institution is unable to find you. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA), or other long term pay-off accounts are inactive five years after the maturity date, the distribution date or when the owner reaches 70.5 years of age.
What if an account is never claimed?
Unclaimed property always belongs to its owner even if it is never claimed. All unclaimed property is held in trust until the rightful owner(s) or their heirs claim it.
What is a “finder?" Should I pay one?
A finder is someone who may contact you offering to locate your lost or forgotten property for a fee. Before you sign anything or pay a fee, check with the Great Colorado Payback office to see if your name is on the list, or search our website for your name. There is no charge to the owner for the recovery of funds directly through the State Treasurer's Office.
How long will it take for my securities to be returned?
Securities that are actively trading on a U.S. exchange will typically be re-registered into your name within 30 days from final approval of your claim. Securities will be registered on the books and record of the company via the transfer agent in the same registration and tax id that your claim was approved. If we have confirmed that your shares have been re-registered to you, please contact the transfer agent of the security for a copy of your statement as the shares are no longer held by the State. The transfer agent of a security can be found by going to the company’s website and visiting the investor relations page. If you are awaiting the return of Mutual Fund shares and provided us with your brokerage account information or account information at the Mutual Fund company and we have indicated that your shares have been returned, please reach out to your broker or the Mutual Fund company directly to review the shares in your account.
When claiming mutual fund shares, why do I have to open a brokerage account?
Mutual Fund shares can only be returned to an active brokerage account or an active account at the Mutual Fund company. For us to have your shares returned to a brokerage account, we will require the name of the brokerage firm, your account number, the account registration, and the four-digit DTC # of your brokerage firm (you can contact the firm directly for this number). To return the mutual fund shares to a mutual fund company, we will require your account number and registration of the account at the fund company. The registration, including tax id, on any account where shares are being returned needs to be the same as the registration and tax id of your claim. If you do not provide the requested information, there will be delays in approving your claim and returning your shares. Once we have received the requested information for returning your shares and your claim has been approved, please expect your shares to be transferred to your account within 30 days. If you have questions regarding the information needed to have your shares transferred, please contact our custodian liaison at 866-213-1686 or COCustody@kelmarassoc.com.