You can claim it yourself, for free

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

Who holds it: County tax collector (treasurer-tax collector) of the county that sold the property

How long: Claims must be postmarked within 1 year after the tax deed to the buyer is recorded. Leftover money then goes to the county general fund.

How you claim: File the county's claim form for excess proceeds with the county tax collector within 1 year after the tax deed is recorded, with proof of your interest. Lienholders of record are paid before former owners.

Your deadline: ____________ (confirm it with the clerk)

Steps

1. Watch for the county's notice of right to claim excess proceeds (sent when the excess is over $150).
2. Get the county's claim form from the tax collector.
3. Mail it with proof of your interest, postmarked within 1 year of the tax deed recording.
4. The county reviews claims and pays by priority: lienholders first, then titleholders.

Documents

• County claim form for excess proceeds
• Proof of your recorded title or interest
• Heirs: affidavit under Probate Code § 13100 et seq.

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.
• Any deal must be in writing.
• You never need to pay anyone to file.

Official links

• State Controller's Excess Proceeds Guide (2025): https://sco.ca.gov/Files-ARD-Tax-Info/Tax-Collector-Ref-Man/SCO_ExcessProceedsGuide.pdf