Frequently Asked Questions

Surplus funds are the excess money left over after a government-mandated property sale — such as a tax sale, foreclosure auction, or eminent domain proceeding — satisfies the outstanding debt. For example, if you owed $10,000 in back taxes and your property sold for $45,000, the remaining $35,000 is surplus and legally belongs to you, the former property owner.

Former property owners are the primary claimants. In cases where the original owner has passed away, their legal heirs or authorized representatives may also be eligible. Eligibility varies by state and county, but we handle all the research to determine your specific situation.

Most people don't know they have surplus funds because counties are not required to make significant efforts to notify former owners. We perform free research into county records to determine whether surplus funds exist in your name. Simply contact us with your property information and we'll investigate at no cost.

We operate nationwide, working county-by-county across all 50 states. Surplus fund laws and procedures vary by jurisdiction, and our experience covers the full range of state and county requirements.

Over $8 billion in surplus funds from property sales is currently sitting unclaimed in county and court accounts across the United States. This amount grows every year as new property sales generate additional surplus that goes unnoticed by former owners.

Our process has five steps: (1) You contact us with your property information, (2) We research county records to verify surplus funds, (3) If funds exist, we present a transparent fee agreement, (4) We file all paperwork and manage the recovery process, (5) Funds are deposited directly to you. The entire process typically takes 30 to 90 days.

Most recoveries are completed within 30 to 90 days, depending on the county and the complexity of the case. Some counties process claims faster than others. We keep you informed of progress throughout and provide realistic timelines for your specific situation.

No. We handle the entire recovery process including research, documentation, filing, and follow-up. In the rare cases that require legal proceedings, we work with qualified attorneys as needed — at no additional cost to you.

To get started, you'll typically need a government-issued photo ID, proof of prior property ownership (such as a deed, tax record, or mortgage document), and any correspondence related to the property sale. Don't worry if you're missing documents — we can help you obtain what's needed.

Yes, you can attempt to recover surplus funds on your own. However, the process involves navigating county bureaucracies, understanding specific filing requirements, meeting strict deadlines, and in some cases filing court motions. Many people find the process frustrating and time-consuming, which is why they choose to work with a professional recovery firm.

Our service operates on a contingency basis, meaning there are no upfront costs, retainers, or out-of-pocket expenses. We only receive a fee when we successfully recover funds for you. If we don't recover anything, you owe nothing.

Our fee percentage varies depending on the complexity of the case, the amount of surplus involved, and the jurisdiction. We discuss and agree on the specific percentage before you sign anything, so there are never any surprises.

Absolutely not. Our fee agreement is straightforward and transparent. The percentage we agree on is the only amount deducted from your recovered funds. Filing fees, research costs, and administrative expenses are all absorbed by us.

If we are unable to recover your surplus funds for any reason, you owe us nothing. Zero. We absorb all costs associated with the research, filing, and recovery attempt. This is our guarantee — we only get paid when you get paid.

Yes, surplus funds recovery is completely legal. The right of former property owners to claim surplus funds is protected by the U.S. Constitution, as affirmed by the Supreme Court's unanimous ruling in Tyler v. Hennepin County (2023). Surplus recovery firms like ours operate under state and federal regulations.

Tyler v. Hennepin County, Minnesota was a landmark 2023 Supreme Court case in which the Court unanimously ruled that the government cannot keep surplus funds from property sales. The case involved a 94-year-old woman whose home was seized over a $15,000 tax debt and sold for $40,000, with the county keeping the entire amount. The Court held this violated the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment.

We are a licensed, bonded, and insured surplus funds recovery firm. We operate with full transparency — our fee structure is disclosed upfront, we never ask for upfront payment, and we provide a clear written agreement before beginning work. We encourage you to verify our credentials and read our client testimonials.

Recovering surplus funds does not affect your credit score. The funds are your property that was being held by the government. Regarding taxes, recovered surplus may be considered income for tax purposes depending on your situation. We recommend consulting with a tax advisor about your specific circumstances.

Yes, you can attempt to recover surplus funds independently. You would need to identify the correct county office, research the specific filing requirements, gather all necessary documentation, file the claim within any applicable deadlines, and follow up with county officials. The process varies significantly by county and state.

Professional recovery firms bring experience navigating county bureaucracies, understanding jurisdiction-specific requirements, and managing the paperwork efficiently. Our success rate is significantly higher than self-filed claims, and our average recovery time is shorter. You also avoid the frustration of dealing with government offices and the risk of missing filing deadlines.

If you've already begun the recovery process on your own and are running into difficulties, we can still help. Contact us with the details of where you are in the process and we'll assess how we can assist — whether that means taking over the claim entirely or helping you navigate a specific obstacle.