You can claim it yourself, no finder needed

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

Who holds it: Town tax collector during the redemption period, then the clerk of the Superior Court for the judicial district where the property is

How long: Apply to the court within 90 days after the tax collector pays the money into court. If no application is filed, it goes to the state (escheat).

How you claim: After the tax collector deposits the surplus with the Superior Court, file a written application with that court for return of the money, and serve it on everyone with a recorded interest. There is no official claim form.

Your deadline: ____________ (confirm it with the clerk)

Steps

1. Watch for the tax collector's certified-mail notice naming the court and amount, sent within 5 days of the deposit.
2. Write an application for return of the surplus to that Superior Court.
3. Serve it like a new civil lawsuit on all record owners and lienholders; do not name the town or buyer without their consent.
4. A judge or state referee decides each party's share.

Documents

• Written application to the Superior Court
• Proof of service on all record interest holders

What it costs you

Costs of filing and serving a court application (amount not found)

If someone offers to do it for you

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

Official links

• Conn. Gen. Stat. chapter 204, § 12-157 (CT General Assembly): https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_204.htm
• City of Torrington - excess proceeds from tax sale: https://www.torringtonct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/745