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Linn County Surplus Funds List

The Linn County, IA surplus funds list is not currently published online. Contact the County Treasurer 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 Linn County Surplus Funds List

By request

Department: County Treasurer

Phone: (319) 892-5500

The Linn County Treasurer conducts annual tax sales and processes tax sale redemptions. Contact the Treasurer directly for information on excess proceeds from tax deed sales.

Surplus Funds Law in Iowa

These statewide rules govern how surplus funds are handled in Linn County and every other Iowa 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
The officer conducting the sale (the sheriff on an execution sale) pays the overplus to the debtor, unless the officer holds another execution against which it may be applied or competing lienholders claim it, in which case it is paid to the clerk of the district court to be applied as ordered by the court (Iowa Code 626.82).
Claim window
No true escheat (custodial): intangible property held by any Iowa court or public officer that remains unclaimed for more than 2 years after becoming payable is presumed abandoned and remitted to the State Treasurer's unclaimed property, still claimable thereafter (Iowa Code 556.8, ch. 556).
Finder-fee rules
15% cap: agreements to recover reported unclaimed property made within 24 months after payment/delivery to the Treasurer (Iowa Code 556.13) are unenforceable; agreements made after 24 months are valid only if the fee is not more than 15%, the agreement is in writing and signed by the owner, and it discloses the property's nature and value (Iowa Code 556.11(10)).
Local terminology
In Iowa, surplus funds are often called “overplus”.
Records law
Iowa Open Records Act (Iowa Code Chapter 22 — Examination of Public Records)

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

How to Claim Surplus Funds in Linn County

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

1
Search for your funds

Contact the County Treasurer at (319) 892-5500 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 County Treasurer 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 Linn County Surplus Funds

When a property in Linn 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 County Treasurer 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 Linn County surplus funds list?

The Linn County surplus funds list is not published online. Contact the County Treasurer at (319) 892-5500 to request the current list of unclaimed overbid funds.

How do I claim surplus funds in Linn County?

To claim surplus funds in Linn County, Iowa: (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 County Treasurer, and (4) submit your documents. Processing typically takes 30 to 90 days.

Who is eligible to claim Linn 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.

What is the deadline to claim surplus funds in Iowa?

In Iowa, the statutory claim window is: No true escheat (custodial): intangible property held by any Iowa court or public officer that remains unclaimed for more than 2 years after becoming payable is presumed abandoned and remitted to the State Treasurer's unclaimed property, still claimable thereafter (Iowa Code 556.8, ch. 556).. This applies to Linn County and every other Iowa county. Verify the current deadline with the County Treasurer before filing — unclaimed surplus funds can eventually escheat to the state.

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.