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District of Columbia Surplus Funds List

The District of Columbia, DC surplus funds list is not currently published online. Contact the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) directly to request the current list of excess proceeds. Surplus funds (also called overbid money or unclaimed overages) are created when a property sells at auction for more than the debt owed.

Official District of Columbia Surplus Funds List

By request

Department: Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR)

Phone: (202) 727-4829

DC sells tax liens at annual auctions. For owner-occupied residential properties, judicial foreclosure triggers a resale and surplus proceeds are retained for the former owner per DC Code 47-1382.01(d).

View DC Tax Lien Sale & Resources

Surplus Funds Law in District of Columbia

These statewide rules govern how surplus funds are handled in District of Columbia and every other District of Columbia county. Verify the current deadline before you file:

Sale type
Tax lien state — liens are sold; surplus arises at later deed/foreclosure stages.
Who holds the funds
Court-appointed trustee, distributed by D.C. Superior Court order for owner-occupied residential property (Class 1A/1B) with 5 or fewer units occupied as a principal residence (D.C. Code § 47-1382.01); a purchaser's tax-sale overbid/overpayment is instead held/refunded by the Mayor under D.C. Code § 47-1382(h).
Local terminology
In District of Columbia, surplus funds are often called “surplus”.
Records law
District of Columbia Freedom of Information Act

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

How to Claim Surplus Funds in District of Columbia

Follow these steps to recover unclaimed excess proceeds from a property sale in District of Columbia, District of Columbia.

1
Search for your funds

Contact the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) at (202) 727-4829 to request the current surplus funds list. Ask them to search by your name or former property address.

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 Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) 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 District of Columbia Surplus Funds

When a property in District of Columbia 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 Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) 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 District of Columbia surplus funds list?

The District of Columbia surplus funds list is not published online. Contact the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) at (202) 727-4829 to request the current list of unclaimed overbid funds.

How do I claim surplus funds in District of Columbia?

To claim surplus funds in District of Columbia, District of Columbia: (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 Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR), and (4) submit your documents. Processing typically takes 30 to 90 days.

Who is eligible to claim District of Columbia 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.

Want a detailed walkthrough for District of Columbia? Read our full guide: How to Find Surplus Funds in Washington, D.C.

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.