Colorado · money left over after a tax-deed sale

You can claim it yourself, for free

Who holds it

County treasurer of the county that held the treasurer's deed public auction

How long

For a treasurer's deed issued on or after June 1, 2026, the county treasurer holds unclaimed overbid in escrow for 2 years from the auction, then sends it to the State Treasurer's unclaimed property program. An overbid under $25 that nobody claims within 6 months of the auction goes to the county's general fund. For a deed issued from July 1, 2024 to May 31, 2026, the escrow is 6 months from the auction, then the money goes to the State Treasurer.

How you claim

Colorado sells tax liens, but since July 1, 2024 a treasurer's deed requires a public auction. After the auction, contact the county treasurer: any overbid left after qualifying junior lienholders is paid to the owner.

If someone offers to do it for you

No one may charge you more than 10%.
There is a waiting period of 1462 days: ask the clerk what it covers and when it starts.
You never need to pay anyone to file.

Checklist: Colorado, money left over after a tax-deed sale

Who holds it: County treasurer of the county that held the treasurer's deed public auction

How long: For a treasurer's deed issued on or after June 1, 2026, the county treasurer holds unclaimed overbid in escrow for 2 years from the auction, then sends it to the State Treasurer's unclaimed property program. An overbid under $25 that nobody claims within 6 months of the auction goes to the county's general fund. For a deed issued from July 1, 2024 to May 31, 2026, the escrow is 6 months from the auction, then the money goes to the State Treasurer.

How you claim: Colorado sells tax liens, but since July 1, 2024 a treasurer's deed requires a public auction. After the auction, contact the county treasurer: any overbid left after qualifying junior lienholders is paid to the owner.

Your deadline: ____________ (confirm it with the clerk)

Steps

Watch for the treasurer's notice in the mail after the auction.
Contact the county treasurer's office after the auction.
Give the documents the treasurer asks for.
If 2 years pass (6 months for a deed issued before June 1, 2026), claim from the State Treasurer's unclaimed property program instead.

Documents

Documentation requested by the county treasurer

What it costs you

No fee stated. For a deed issued from July 1, 2024 to May 31, 2026, an agreement to pay someone to recover it is unenforceable.

If someone offers to do it for you

No one may charge you more than 10%.
There is a waiting period of 1462 days: ask the clerk what it covers and when it starts.
You never need to pay anyone to file.

Official links

Colorado General Assembly - SB26-144 (2026): https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-144
Colorado General Assembly - HB24-1056: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB24-1056
El Paso County Treasurer - Treasurer's deed: https://treasurer.elpasoco.com/treasurers-deed

Source: C.R.S. § 39-11.5-112; C.R.S. § 39-11.5-109; C.R.S. 39-11.5-112(2)(c); C.R.S. 39-11.5-112(3)(a); C.R.S. 39-11.5-112(1); C.R.S. 39-11.5-112(3)(b); C.R.S. 39-11.5-303; C.R.S. 39-11.5-109(1)-(3). Researched, not yet checked by a lawyer; confirm with the clerk. Not legal advice.