California Excess Proceeds from Tax Sales

If your property in California was sold at a county tax sale, money above the taxes and costs owed may be waiting for you.

What are California excess proceeds?

When a county sells tax-defaulted property at public auction, the proceeds first pay the delinquent taxes and sale costs. Anything left over is called excess proceeds. Under California Revenue and Taxation Code §4675, parties of interest, including the former owner and lienholders, may file a claim with the county for those funds.

Who can claim?

The last owner of record at the time of the sale
Lienholders of record, in order of priority
Heirs or successors of a deceased owner, with supporting documents

The one-year deadline

Claims generally must be filed with the county within one year after the tax deed to the purchaser is recorded. Each county publishes its own notice and deadline. Funds not claimed in time are generally transferred to the county.

Your right to file directly

You can do this yourself, for free. Former owners and heirs may file a claim directly with the county (or court, for foreclosures) without hiring anyone and without paying a fee. We exist for people who would rather have a professional handle the research, paperwork, and follow-up.

California law sets requirements for agreements where someone is paid to help with an excess-proceeds claim, including that the agreement be in writing and disclose your right to file directly with the county. Our agreements are written to meet these requirements.

Imperial County

Imperial County publishes a list of unclaimed excess proceeds on its Treasurer-Tax Collector website. You can check it yourself or contact the office directly.

How we help

We confirm the funds with the county, gather deeds and ID documents, prepare the claim, help heirs assemble proof of entitlement, and follow up until the county decides.

Source: Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code §4675. This page is general information, not legal advice.

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