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Salt Lake County Surplus Funds List

The Salt Lake County, UT surplus funds list is not currently published online. Contact the County Auditor (Tax Sale) / 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 Salt Lake County Surplus Funds List

By request

Department: County Auditor (Tax Sale) / County Treasurer

Format: Web Page

Phone: (385) 468-7200

Salt Lake County holds its tax sale each May. The county does not keep excess funds: any amount above the taxes, penalties, interest and costs is paid to the former owner or a lienholder, or sent to the Utah State Treasurer Unclaimed Property Division if the owner cannot be reached within about 90 days of the sale. Funds already sent to the state are claimed at mycash.utah.gov.

View Salt Lake County Excess Funds Info

Surplus Funds Law in Utah

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

Sale type
Tax deed state: properties are sold outright at auction.
Who holds the funds
Tax sale (held by the county auditor in May or June): sale money is paid into the county treasury, and any amount above the delinquent taxes, tax notice charges, penalties, interest and administrative costs is treated as unclaimed property under the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (Utah Code 59-2-1351, 59-2-1351.1(7)); unclaimed amounts end up with the Utah State Treasurer's Unclaimed Property Division. Trustee sale: the trustee pays the balance to the person legally entitled to it, or deposits it with the clerk of the district court, which places it with the state treasurer subject to the court's order (Utah Code 57-1-29).
Claim window
No statutory cutoff for the owner on tax sale excess: counties hold it for a short period (about 90 days by county practice) and then send it to the State Treasurer, where the owner or heirs can still claim it. For trustee sale money deposited with the district court, claimants get notice of a petition and have 60 days to contest it, and anyone who fails to appear is barred once the court enters its order (Utah Code 57-1-29(3) to (5)).
Finder-fee rules
No statewide percentage cap. For money held by the State Treasurer, a finder agreement is void if signed within 24 months after the funds are delivered to the state, must be a signed record stating the property, the services and the amount expected before and after the fee, and an unconscionable fee is unenforceable; agreements with an attorney to pursue a specific claim are exempt (Utah Code 67-4a-1301, 67-4a-1302). Some counties add their own limits, for example Utah County's 20% limit on county-held excess.
Local terminology
In Utah, surplus funds are often called “excess funds”.
Records law
Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA)

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

How to Claim Surplus Funds in Salt Lake County

Follow these steps to recover unclaimed excess proceeds from a property sale in Salt Lake County, Utah.

1
Search for your funds

Contact the County Auditor (Tax Sale) / County Treasurer at (385) 468-7200 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 Auditor (Tax Sale) / 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 Salt Lake County Surplus Funds

When a property in Salt Lake 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 Auditor (Tax Sale) / 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 Salt Lake County surplus funds list?

The Salt Lake County surplus funds list is not published online. Contact the County Auditor (Tax Sale) / County Treasurer at (385) 468-7200 to request the current list of unclaimed overbid funds.

How do I claim surplus funds in Salt Lake County?

To claim surplus funds in Salt Lake County, Utah: (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 Auditor (Tax Sale) / County Treasurer, and (4) submit your documents. Processing typically takes 30 to 90 days.

Who is eligible to claim Salt Lake 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 Utah?

In Utah, the statutory claim window is: No statutory cutoff for the owner on tax sale excess: counties hold it for a short period (about 90 days by county practice) and then send it to the State Treasurer, where the owner or heirs can still claim it. For trustee sale money deposited with the district court, claimants get notice of a petition and have 60 days to contest it, and anyone who fails to appear is barred once the court enters its order (Utah Code 57-1-29(3) to (5)).. This applies to Salt Lake County and every other Utah county. Verify the current deadline with the County Auditor (Tax Sale) / 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 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.