You can claim it yourself, for free

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

Who holds it: A court-appointed 'qualified entity' (bank, escrow agent, law firm or special master) that runs an excess proceeds sale. For land the state already holds by tax deed, the county treasurer holds the money.

How long: The qualified entity must pay out within 90 days after the sale. Money unclaimed after 90 days goes to Arizona's unclaimed property program.

How you claim: Arizona sells tax liens, so you must act in the lien buyer's foreclosure lawsuit. Before judgment, ask the superior court for an 'excess proceeds sale' and give a market-value estimate. If the court grants it, the property is auctioned and you get what remains after the lien buyer, taxes and other liens are paid. If no one asks for an excess proceeds sale, the lien buyer gets the deed and there is no surplus.

Your deadline: ____________ (confirm it with the clerk)

Steps

1. When served with the tax-lien foreclosure lawsuit, respond in superior court before judgment.
2. Ask the court to order an excess proceeds sale and give a reasonable market-value estimate. It is granted if the price is likely to exceed what is owed by more than $2,500.
3. If granted, a qualified entity auctions the property, usually within 60 days of judgment.
4. Collect your share within 90 days. You do not have to attend the auction.

Documents

• Your reasonable estimate of the property's market value (to the court)

What it costs you

Not researched yet — ask the clerk

If someone offers to do it for you

• A finder who charges you may need to be a licensed private investigator: ask the clerk.
• Fee limits: Not researched yet — ask the clerk.
• You never need to pay anyone to file.

Official links

• A.R.S. 42-18204 (excess proceeds sale request): https://www.azleg.gov/ars/42/18204.htm
• A.R.S. 42-18236 (distribution of sale proceeds): https://www.azleg.gov/ars/42/18236.htm
• A.R.S. 42-18303 (sale of state-held tax deed land): https://www.azleg.gov/ars/42/18303.htm