Colorado Treasury Issued $27 Million in Checks
Residents are receiving surprise payments for unclaimed property without needing to file a formal claim.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Financial Planning
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The Colorado Department of the Treasury has mailed over 35,000 checks totaling nearly $27 million to residents. These proactive payments represent unclaimed property, including utility deposits and past TABOR refunds.
Why it matters
These payments help residents recover forgotten funds from sources like old accounts without navigating a formal claim process. The state initiated this program to return unclaimed assets directly to verified individuals.
The state mailed over 35,000 checks totaling $27 million to residents, including individual payments such as one for $778 reported by a Centennial household. Officials estimate one in 10 Coloradans currently holds unclaimed property.
The players
Colorado Department of the Treasury
The state agency responsible for managing unclaimed property and issuing payments to residents.
Great Colorado Payback
The state program that tracks and returns unclaimed funds such as uncashed checks and utility deposits.
The details
The Colorado Department of the Treasury identifies dormant accounts and unclaimed property, then issues funds directly to verified recipients. This effort bypasses the traditional requirement for residents to search for and file claims for forgotten utility deposits or past tax refunds. Recent changes to the letter format were implemented to align with updated state mailing requirements.
Timeline
The proactive mailing campaign began on September 29, 2026.
Money Landscape
This effort represents a shift toward proactive state-level asset recovery for unclaimed property. It follows the established framework of the Great Colorado Payback program while streamlining the return of funds to residents.
If you receive a check, you should verify its origin through official state channels before attempting to deposit it. If you suspect you have unclaimed property but did not receive a mailing, consult with a financial professional about the standard claims process.
The takeaway
States are increasingly using automated processes to return forgotten funds directly to taxpayers. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a payment you received, contact the state treasury office before providing any personal information or attempting to deposit the check.
Further reading
Learn more about managing your assets through our Financial Planning resource center.
More information
Verify the status of your property or learn more about the program at the Colorado Unclaimed Property Search.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH).
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