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Kent County Surplus Funds List

The Kent County, DE surplus funds list is available online. Access the official excess proceeds list through the Department of Finance - Tax Office using the link below. Surplus funds (also called overbid money or unclaimed overages) are created when a property sells at auction for more than the debt owed.

Official Kent County Surplus Funds List

Available online

Department: Department of Finance - Tax Office

Format: Web Page

Phone: (302) 744-2341

Kent County (Dover) conducts annual tax sales. The Project Rightful Owner program allows former homeowners to search for and claim surplus funds from sheriff sales.

View Kent County Tax Office Info

Surplus Funds Law in Delaware

These statewide rules govern how surplus funds are handled in Kent County and every other Delaware county. Verify the current deadline before you file:

Sale type
Redeemable deed state — deeds are sold subject to a redemption period.
Who holds the funds
After a delinquent-tax sale in Kent or Sussex County, the excess is paid at once to the former owner; if the owner is unknown, refuses, or cannot be found, it is deposited in a bank in the county to the owner's credit (9 Del. C. § 8779). Mortgage/foreclosure sheriff-sale surplus is instead held by the Prothonotary of the Superior Court (Project Rightful Owner program).
Finder-fee rules
Total fees and costs may not exceed $1,000 or 10% of the value of the property recovered, whichever is less; the agreement is also void if entered from when the property became distributable to the owner through 24 months after payment or delivery to the State Escheator (12 Del. C. § 1187). This is Delaware's general unclaimed-property finder statute; no tax-sale/foreclosure-surplus-specific fee cap exists.
Local terminology
In Delaware, surplus funds are often called “excess proceeds”.
Records law
Delaware Freedom of Information Act

Statutory summaries are research aids, not legal advice — always verify current law with the Kent County office or a licensed attorney.

How to Claim Surplus Funds in Kent County

Follow these steps to recover unclaimed excess proceeds from a property sale in Kent County, Delaware.

1
Search for your funds

Visit the Department of Finance - Tax Office's website using the link above. Search by your name, property address, or case number to see if surplus funds exist from your property sale.

2
Verify your eligibility

Confirm you were the property owner at the time of the tax sale or foreclosure. If the original owner has passed away, heirs can file with proper probate documentation.

3
Gather your documents

You will typically need a copy of the property deed or title, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your current address. Heirs should also provide death certificates and probate records.

4
Submit your claim

Complete the claim form from the Department of Finance - Tax Office and submit it with your supporting documents. Some counties accept claims by mail, in person, or online. Processing typically takes 30 to 90 days.

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About Kent County Surplus Funds

When a property in Kent County is sold at a tax sale or foreclosure auction for more than the amount owed, the excess amount becomes surplus funds (also referred to as excess proceeds or overbid money). These unclaimed funds are held by the Department of Finance - Tax Office and belong to the former property owner or their heirs.

Many property owners do not know surplus funds exist, or that they may be entitled to claim them. A recovery professional can help locate and claim these funds on your behalf. Recovery agents typically charge between 10% and 30% of the recovered amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the Kent County surplus funds list?

The Kent County surplus funds list is available online through the Department of Finance - Tax Office. Use the link on this page to access the official excess proceeds list directly.

How do I claim surplus funds in Kent County?

To claim surplus funds in Kent County, Delaware: (1) verify the funds exist on the county's list, (2) gather proof of ownership such as the property deed and government ID, (3) complete the claim form from the Department of Finance - Tax Office, and (4) submit your documents. Processing typically takes 30 to 90 days.

Who is eligible to claim Kent County surplus funds?

The former property owner at the time of sale has first priority. If the owner is deceased, legal heirs or the estate can file a claim. Subordinate lienholders such as mortgage companies or judgment creditors may also be eligible depending on their lien position.

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.