Unclaimed Surplus Funds
Millions of dollars in surplus funds from foreclosures, tax sales, and sheriff sales go unclaimed every year. Search Surplus Registry to see if any of it may be associated with you.
What are unclaimed surplus funds?
When a property is sold at a foreclosure, tax sale, or sheriff sale for more than the total debt owed, the extra money is called surplus funds or excess proceeds. This money is typically deposited with a court, county clerk, treasurer, or sheriff's office.
The former property owner has a legal right to claim this money, subject to applicable law and the priority of other claimants. However, many former owners never claim their surplus funds — often because they do not know the money exists.
Surplus Registry maintains a national database of unclaimed surplus funds compiled from public sources. Search by name, property address, or case number — free, with no account required.
Why do surplus funds go unclaimed?
- The former owner moved and did not receive notification
- The former owner changed their name (marriage, divorce, etc.)
- The former owner is deceased and heirs are unaware
- The notification was sent to the foreclosed property address
- The former owner did not understand the legal notice
- The former owner assumed they owed money rather than being owed money
How to search Surplus Registry
Search Surplus Registry by name, property address, or case number. If you find a record that may be associated with you, verify it with the official source listed in the record.
Important: A record in Surplus Registry indicates that a public record exists that may be associated with your search. It does not guarantee that you are entitled to funds. Always verify with the official agency, court, or custodian identified in the record.
Frequently asked questions
What are unclaimed surplus funds?
Unclaimed surplus funds are excess proceeds from property sales that have not been claimed by the former owner. When a property sells at auction for more than the debt owed, the extra money is held by a court, county, or sheriff until the rightful owner claims it.
Why do surplus funds go unclaimed?
Many former property owners do not know they are entitled to surplus funds. They may have moved, changed their name, or simply never been notified. Some heirs are unaware that a deceased relative had surplus funds from a property sale.
How do I find unclaimed surplus funds?
Search Surplus Registry by name, property address, or case number. You can also contact the court, sheriff, county treasurer, or other office that handled the sale directly.
What happens to unclaimed surplus funds?
If surplus funds are not claimed within the deadline set by state law, they may be transferred to the state unclaimed property fund, the county general fund, or the plaintiff. The specific outcome varies by jurisdiction.
Ready to search?
Search Surplus Registry for unclaimed surplus funds from foreclosures, tax sales, and sheriff sales across the United States.
Search the Registry