Excess Funds List
An excess funds list is a public record published by a county showing the surplus money left over after a property was sold at a tax sale or foreclosure auction. Different counties call the same money excess funds, surplus funds, excess proceeds, or overage. If you are looking for an excess funds list, this page explains what it is, where to find one, and what to do with it.
What an excess funds list contains
The exact format varies, but most excess funds lists include:
- The property address or parcel identification number
- The former owner of record at the time of the sale
- The date of the tax sale or foreclosure auction
- The amount of surplus being held
- The county office holding the funds
Excess funds vs surplus funds vs excess proceeds vs overage
They all refer to the same thing — the money left after a property sale once the delinquent taxes, liens, fees, and costs are paid. Some states and counties use one term consistently; others use multiple. Search any of these terms with your county name and you will find the right office.
Where to find an excess funds list for your county
Excess funds lists are public records. They are published or made available by:
- County tax commissioner or treasurer — for tax sales
- County sheriff or sheriff's office — for foreclosure and sheriff sales
- County clerk of court — for court-ordered sales and interpleader cases
Some counties publish the list on their website as a PDF or spreadsheet. Others require a formal public records request. We maintain a free directory of county sources across all 50 states with direct links to the right office.
What to do if your name is on an excess funds list
If your former property appears on an excess funds list, the county is holding money owed to you. The next step is to file a claim with the office that holds the funds. Read our guides on claiming surplus funds yourself and how long it takes to get the money once you file.
For recovery professionals
Excess funds lists are the foundation of the surplus funds recovery business. Pull the list, skip trace the rightful owners, and reach out. The same workflow applies whether the county calls it excess funds, surplus funds, or overage. Read our overview of how surplus funds recovery works, our guide to finding excess funds lists by county, and our trained virtual assistants who pull lists and handle outreach for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is an excess funds list?
An excess funds list is a public record published by a county that shows the surplus money left over after a property was sold at a tax sale or foreclosure auction for more than the amount owed. The list typically includes the property address, the former owner of record, the sale date, and the amount of surplus being held.
What is the difference between excess funds and surplus funds?
They are the same thing. Different counties and states use different terms for the same money — excess funds, surplus funds, excess proceeds, and overage all refer to the leftover amount when a property sells for more than what was owed in taxes, liens, fees, and costs.
Where do I find an excess funds list?
Excess funds lists are usually published or made available by the county clerk, sheriff, treasurer, or tax commissioner — depending on the county. Some counties post the lists directly on their websites as a downloadable PDF or spreadsheet. Others require a formal public records request. Our state directory has direct links to the office that publishes the list in each county we have researched.
Are excess funds lists free?
Yes, excess funds lists are public records and are free to obtain. Some counties post them online for free download, others charge a small fee for fulfilling a records request. We do not charge for our directory of county sources.
What does excess funds mean for a homeowner?
If your former property appears on an excess funds list, it means the county is holding money that is owed to you. The amount is what was left after paying the delinquent taxes, fees, and costs from the sale price. You file a claim with the county to recover the funds. Procedures and deadlines vary; the county office that holds the funds is the authoritative source.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Surplus Funds List is a technology provider and does not practice law or provide legal counsel. Data accuracy depends on the publishing county. For legal guidance regarding your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state. Links to publicly available county records are provided as a convenience and do not imply endorsement or guarantee of accuracy.