You can claim it yourself, for free

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

Who holds it: County Tax Claim Bureau

How long: 3 years from the sale date. After that, the owner's share goes to the local taxing districts

How you claim: The bureau asks the county court to confirm a distribution schedule. The owner gets what is left after taxes, municipal claims, and mortgages and liens. Submit the bureau's claim application with proof within 3 years of the sale.

Your deadline: ____________ (confirm it with the clerk)

Steps

1. Contact the Tax Claim Bureau in the county where the property sold
2. Watch for the court's rule to show cause on the proposed distribution, which is mailed to each person listed. Object by the date set if it is wrong
3. Submit the bureau's claim application with photo ID and proof linking you to the property
4. File within 3 years of the sale

Documents

• Bureau claim application (Berks County requires it notarized)
• Copy of photo ID
• Proof linking you to the property sold

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.
• You never need to pay anyone to file.

Official links

• Real Estate Tax Sale Law (Act 542 of 1947), see § 205: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/PDF/1947/0/0542..PDF
• Berks County Tax Claim Bureau: Unclaimed Monies (example county process): https://berkspa.gov/Departments/Tax-Claim-Bureau/Unclaimed-Monies
• PA Treasury FAQ: county tax claim bureau and sheriff funds: https://www.searchandclaimpa.gov/app/faq-finders