Service
Tax Foreclosure & Tax Sale Excess Proceeds Recovery
When a property is sold for delinquent property taxes and the sale brings in more than the taxes, penalties and costs owed, the difference is commonly called excess proceeds or overbid. Depending on the state, that money may be claimable by the former owner and, in some places, by certain lienholders.
Tax sale rules are the most jurisdiction-specific part of this work. Deadlines are often short and strictly enforced, so the first step is always verifying what actually applies in that county.
Who this is for
- Former owners of property sold at a tax sale or tax foreclosure auction
- Heirs of an owner whose property was lost to unpaid property taxes
- Lienholders who may hold a claimable interest under that state's rules
What we do
- Confirm the sale, the tax debt paid and the excess proceeds recorded
- Identify the treasurer, tax commissioner, clerk or trustee holding the funds
- Confirm the claim window and the exact filing requirements in that county
- Assemble ownership proof and prepare the claim or petition package
- Track the claim through review and disbursement
What we typically need from you
- Government photo ID
- Deed, tax bill or other proof of ownership at the time of sale
- Tax sale or case reference, or the property address and parcel number
- Address history if the county mailed notices to a prior address
Important to know
- Several states do not return tax sale overbid to former owners at all. We tell you that up front rather than opening a claim that cannot succeed.
- Unclaimed excess proceeds can escheat permanently once the statutory window closes.
Free records search. No upfront fees — our fee is deducted only if and when funds are successfully recovered. Rules, eligibility and deadlines are set by each state and county.
Check your state's process
Who may claim, how long they have and which office holds the money changes by state.
Open the Surplus Recovery State GuideOther services
- Mortgage Foreclosure Surplus Funds Recovery
- HOA & Condo Foreclosure Surplus Recovery
- Estate & Heir Surplus Funds Recovery
- Multiple-Owner Surplus Claims