Last updated July 4, 2026

Ohio Surplus Funds List

Ohio has 8 of 8 counties that publish their surplus funds lists online. Surplus funds (also known as excess proceeds or overbid money) are created when a property sells at a tax sale or foreclosure auction for more than the amount owed. The extra money is held by the county and belongs to the former property owner or their heirs. Click any county below to view the official list and contact information.

County	Surplus Funds List	Department
Franklin County	Available online	Clerk of Courts
Cuyahoga County	Available online	Clerk of Courts
Hamilton County	Available online	Clerk of Courts
Summit County	Available online	Clerk of Courts
Montgomery County	Available online	Clerk of Courts
Lucas County	Available online	Clerk of Courts
Butler County	Available online	Auditor
Stark County	Available online	Clerk of Courts

Ohio Surplus Funds Law at a Glance

Sale type

Hybrid state — both tax lien and tax deed sales occur.

Who holds the funds

County Treasurer holds the surplus; the sale officer delivers the balance to the issuing court's clerk within 45 days of confirmation (Ohio Rev. Code 2329.44), then any residue unclaimed by the owner is paid into the county treasury (Ohio Rev. Code 5721.20).

Claim window

3 years from the County Treasurer's date of receipt; if the owner does not demand the excess within 3 years it is forfeited to the county delinquent tax and assessment collection fund (Ohio Rev. Code 321.261), or the county land reutilization corporation fund (Ohio Rev. Code 321.263) where established (Ohio Rev. Code 5721.20).

Finder-fee rules

10% cap on unclaimed-funds finder agreements (Ohio Rev. Code 169.13) governs only funds reported to the state Division of Unclaimed Funds, NOT county-held tax-sale excess under 5721.20; Ohio has no finder-fee cap specific to foreclosure or tax-sale surplus.

Local terminology

Often called “excess funds” in Ohio.

Records law

Ohio Public Records Act

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

How to Claim Surplus Funds in Ohio

Follow these steps to recover unclaimed excess proceeds from a tax sale or foreclosure auction in Ohio.

Search for your funds

Check the Clerk of Courts in the county where your property was located. Use the county links above to access the official surplus list online, or call the office to request it.

Verify your eligibility

Confirm you were the property owner (or heir) at the time of the sale. Lienholders such as mortgage companies may also have a claim depending on priority.

Gather required documents

Collect proof of ownership (deed or title), a government-issued ID, and any probate or estate documents if the original owner has passed away.

Complete and submit the claim form

Download or request the claim form from the Clerk of Courts. Fill it out completely, attach your supporting documents, and submit by mail or in person. Some counties accept online submissions.

Wait for processing

Processing times vary by county, typically 30 to 90 days. Follow up with the office if you have not received a response. Once approved, the county will issue a check for the surplus amount.

Want a detailed walkthrough? Read our full guide: How to Find Surplus Funds in Ohio →

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What Are Surplus Funds in Ohio?

Surplus funds (also known as excess proceeds, overbids, or overage funds) are created when a property sells at a tax sale, sheriff sale, or foreclosure auction for more than the amount owed. The excess amount is held by the county and belongs to the former property owner or their heirs.

In Ohio, these unclaimed funds are typically managed at the county level by the Clerk of Courts. Each county maintains its own records and claim process. Many former property owners do not realize this money exists or that they are entitled to it.

How Recovery Professionals Use Ohio Surplus Funds Lists

Surplus funds recovery agents, attorneys, and heir search firms use county excess proceeds lists to identify former property owners who are owed money. The typical process works like this:

Obtain the list from the county Clerk of Courts or through a leads platform
Skip trace the former owners to find current phone numbers, emails, and mailing addresses
Reach out via direct mail, phone calls, or email to inform owners about their unclaimed funds
File the claim on the owner’s behalf and collect a recovery fee, typically 10% to 30%

Many property owners never learn about their overbid money without a recovery professional reaching out. This is a growing industry that helps thousands of former homeowners collect funds they would otherwise lose.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are surplus funds in Ohio?

Surplus funds (also called excess proceeds or overbid funds) are the leftover money from tax sales, sheriff sales, or foreclosure auctions in Ohio. When a property sells for more than the owed taxes or debt, the excess amount is held by the county for the former property owner to claim.

How do I claim surplus funds in Ohio?

To claim surplus funds in Ohio, first identify the funds owed to you by checking the county's surplus list. Then, contact the Clerk of Courts to obtain the claim form. Submit the completed form with proof of ownership (deed, ID, and any supporting documents). Each county has its own process, and some require court filings.

How long do I have to claim surplus funds in Ohio?

The statute of limitations for surplus funds varies. In most states, former owners have between 2 and 5 years to file a claim before the funds escheat to the state. Check Ohio's specific statutes or consult with a licensed attorney for precise timelines.

Who is eligible to claim surplus funds in Ohio?

The former property owner at the time of sale has first priority. If the owner is deceased, legal heirs or the estate can claim. Lienholders such as mortgage companies or judgment creditors may also have a claim, depending on lien priority.

Can a recovery agent help me claim surplus funds in Ohio?

Yes. Surplus funds recovery agents locate former property owners and help them file claims for a percentage of the recovered amount, typically between 10% and 30%. A reputable agent can handle the paperwork, research, and communication with county offices on your behalf.

Surplus Funds Lists in Other States

Georgia Florida Texas California Pennsylvania Michigan Indiana Arizona Colorado Washington North Carolina New Jersey New York Tennessee South Carolina Illinois Maryland Virginia Missouri Oklahoma Alabama Louisiana Kentucky Arkansas Mississippi Wisconsin Minnesota Nevada Oregon Connecticut Massachusetts South Dakota North Dakota Vermont Wyoming Alaska District of Columbia Hawaii Maine New Hampshire Montana Rhode Island Delaware Iowa Kansas Nebraska New Mexico West Virginia Idaho

View the surplus funds list for all 50 states →

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.