When a property is sold at a county tax auction, the county first collects all back taxes, penalties, fees, and legal costs.If the final bid is higher than the total owed, the remaining balance becomes surplus funds, also called excess proceedsor unclaimed proceeds (depending on state law).
In many counties, the former property owner — and sometimes their heirs — may be eligible to claim these funds. Each state and county sets its own timeline and requirements.

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How the Surplus Funds Process Typically Works

While exact procedures vary, most counties follow a similar outline:

• The property is sold at a tax sale.

• The county calculates taxes owed, penalties, interest, and expenses.

• The bidder pays the full purchase price.

• Anything over what was owed becomes surplus funds.

• The county notifies former owners (when required by law).

• The former owner must file a claim within a specific deadline.

• The county reviews documentation to confirm eligibility.

• If approved, the county issues a refund for the surplus amount.

Some counties require a petition to the court, some require affidavits, and others use a simple claim form.

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Important Deadlines

​The time allowed to claim surplus funds may range from a few weeks to several years, depending on the county and state. After the deadline expires, counties may transfer the funds to the county general fund, or they may continue to hold them. Always check with the county directly.

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How Homes N’ Land Helps

Homes N’ Land focuses on helping former property owners understand whether surplus funds or excess proceeds may exist and what general steps are involved.

Depending on county rules and state law, our support may include:

• Researching whether a tax sale appears to have generated surplus funds / excess proceeds

• Helping you understand which county office handles claims and what they typically require

• Pointing you toward the county’s official forms, website, or published procedures

• In some locations where third-party assistance is allowed, discussing ways we may help you move a claim forward or connect you with additional resources

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We Can Help You

• Identify whether surplus funds may exist

• Locate the correct county office or online portal

• Understand documentation typically required

• Know what questions to ask the county

• Understand general timelines and next steps

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State Unclaimed Property Resources

Many states handle certain types of unclaimed money — including, in some cases, tax-sale proceeds or refunds — through their state unclaimed property programs.

These links go directly to official state sites where you can search for unclaimed money under your name.

Not all tax-sale surplus funds are handled at the state level. Some are managed only by the county that held the sale. Always check with the county tax collector, treasurer, or clerk for details about a specific tax sale.

Many states use the terms unclaimed proceeds or unclaimed property instead of “surplus funds.” These portals may include tax-sale refunds, court-ordered proceeds, or other types of unclaimed money.