You can claim it yourself, for free

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

Who holds it: Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands (COSL)

How long: Held in escrow 1 year after the sale. Then claimable for 2 years (sales after July 1, 2018) or 3 years (sales July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2018). Unclaimed money goes back to the county.

How you claim: One year after the sale, request an excess proceeds claim form from the Commissioner of State Lands. You must show you were the record owner at the time of sale and sign a release of your interest.

Your deadline: ____________ (confirm it with the clerk)

Steps

1. Search your name on the COSL excess proceeds list.
2. After the 1-year escrow ends, request the claim form online or from COSL.
3. Return it with proof you owned the parcel at the time of sale and a signed release of your interest.
4. File before your claim window closes.

Documents

• COSL excess proceeds claim form
• Proof you were the record owner at the time of sale
• Signed release of your interest

What it costs you

Not researched yet — ask the clerk

If someone offers to do it for you

• There may be a fee limit: ask the clerk.
• You never need to pay anyone to file.

Official links

• COSL - Available Excess Proceeds: https://cosl.org/Home/Excess/0
• COSL - Buyers page (excess proceeds section): https://cosl.org/Home/Buyers
• Arkansas.gov - Search excess proceeds: https://portal.arkansas.gov/service/search-excess-proceeds/