You can claim it yourself, for free

Checklist: Alabama, money left over after a tax-deed sale

Who holds it: County treasury of the county where the land was sold; the county commission orders payment

How long: First 3 years after the sale: paid only to someone who redeemed. After 3 years and up to 10 years (sales in 2016 or later; 11 years for 2015 sales, 12 for 2014 sales): paid on proof of redemption or a recorded release. After that the money goes to the county.

How you claim: Within 3 years, redeem the property and give the county commission proof of redemption. After 3 years, you can instead sign a release and waiver of your right to redeem, record it with the probate judge, and ask the county commission for the excess.

Your deadline: ____________ (confirm it with the clerk)

Steps

1. Find out which county sold the land for taxes and whether there was an excess bid.
2. Within 3 years of the sale: redeem the property, then give proof of redemption to the county commission. A voucher for the excess can be used toward the redemption cost.
3. After 3 years: bring a circuit court redemption order, recorded deeds from a negotiated redemption, or a recorded release and waiver of your right to redeem.
4. File before the 10-year limit (11 or 12 years for 2015 or 2014 sales), or the county keeps the money.

Documents

• Proof of redemption, or a circuit court order granting redemption
• Recorded deeds showing a negotiated redemption
• Release and waiver of redemption rights, recorded with the probate judge

What it costs you

Not researched yet — ask the clerk

If someone offers to do it for you

• Fee limits: Not researched yet — ask the clerk.
• You never need to pay anyone to file.

Official links

• Code of Alabama 40-10-28 (Alabama Legislature): https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama?section=40-10-28
• Act 2024-261 (HB270 enrolled), which amended 40-10-28: https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/files/pdf/SearchableInstruments/2024RS/HB270-enr.pdf