You can claim it yourself, for free

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

Who holds it: The county sheriff holds surplus from the State Auditor's tax sale

How long: 2 years after the sale is confirmed. If unclaimed, the sheriff pays it to the State Auditor for the general school fund.

How you claim: File a claim for the surplus in the circuit court of the county where the land is, within 2 years after the sale is confirmed.

Your deadline: ____________ (confirm it with the clerk)

Steps

1. Confirm the land sold at the Auditor's tax sale and find the confirmation date.
2. Contact the county sheriff about the surplus amount.
3. File your claim in that county's circuit court within 2 years.

Documents

• Claim filed in circuit court
• Proof you are the former owner, heir or assign

What it costs you

Not researched yet — ask the clerk

If someone offers to do it for you

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

Official links

• W. Va. Code § 11A-3-65 (former owner's right to surplus): https://code.wvlegislature.gov/11A-3-65/
• W. Va. Code § 11A-3-64 (sheriff holds surplus): https://code.wvlegislature.gov/11A-3-64/
• WV State Auditor: tax sale changes (SB 552): https://www.wvsao.gov/CountyCollections/A%20Message%20from%20The%20WVSAO%20Regarding%20Tax%20Sale%20Changes.pdf