You can claim it yourself, for free

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

Who holds it: The foreclosing governmental unit (FGU) that foreclosed and sold the property

How long: Notarized notice due by July 1 after the foreclosure takes effect; court motion window is Feb 1 to May 15 after the sale

How you claim: Send a notarized Treasury Form 5743 to the FGU by July 1, by certified mail or personal service. After the FGU's notice by Jan 31, file Form CC 540 in the circuit court foreclosure case between Feb 1 and May 15.

Your deadline: ____________ (confirm it with the clerk)

Steps

1. Fill out Treasury Form 5743 and sign it before a notary
2. Deliver it to the FGU by July 1 after the foreclosure takes effect, by certified mail (return receipt) or in person with a signed receipt
3. Watch for the FGU's notice by January 31 showing the sale price and any remaining proceeds
4. If money remains, file motion Form CC 540 in the same circuit court case from Feb 1 to May 15, and mail a copy to the FGU
5. The court holds a hearing and decides each claimant's share

Documents

• Notarized Form 5743
• Deed, mortgage or lien showing your interest, with recording details
• Form CC 540 motion
• Certificate of mailing to the FGU

What it costs you

No claim fee in the statute; notary needed; a 5% sale commission and sale costs are deducted; any court filing fee was not confirmed

If someone offers to do it for you

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

Official links

• MCL 211.78t: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-211-78t
• Treasury Form 5743: https://www.michigan.gov/taxes/-/media/Project/Websites/taxes/Forms/Property-Tax/5743.pdf
• SCAO Form CC 540: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/4aa633/siteassets/forms/scao-approved/cc540.pdf