You can claim it yourself, for free

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

Who holds it: The municipality (town or city) that took the property by tax lien foreclosure and then sold it

How long: If the former owner can't be found, the town publishes notice for 3 weeks. Proceeds not claimed within 30 days after the final notice go to the state Unclaimed Property Fund.

How you claim: When the town sells the property, it must send you notice before paying the excess proceeds. Respond to the town; you can ask for a written, itemized list of its deductions.

Your deadline: ____________ (confirm it with the clerk)

Steps

1. Watch for the town's notice of the sale process (at least 90 days before listing).
2. Watch for the notice of intent to pay excess proceeds (at least 30 days before payment).
3. Respond to the town and ask for an itemized accounting if you want one.
4. If the money went to the state, claim it at maineunclaimedproperty.gov.

Documents

Not researched yet — ask the clerk

What it costs you

Free to claim; the town deducts taxes, interest, fees and sale costs from the price

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

• 36 M.R.S. §943-C (sale of tax-acquired property; excess proceeds): https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/36/title36sec943-C.html
• 33 M.R.S. §2141 (unclaimed property deposits): https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/33/title33sec2141.html