Frequently Asked Questions

Surplus funds—also called excess proceeds—are the money left over when a property is sold at a foreclosure sale or tax auction for more than the amount owed. Under California law (including Civil Code §§ 2924j and 2924k), this excess is held by the county or trustee and can be claimed by entitled parties, such as the former owner or heirs.

Yes. We review your property and county information at no charge. You only pay our 25% fee when we successfully recover funds for you. No recovery, no fee.

It depends on the county. Some California counties process claims in weeks; others take several months. We file correctly and follow up so your claim moves through as quickly as the county allows. We keep you updated throughout.

Submit the property address and county anyway. We'll check and tell you whether surplus may be available. There's no obligation and no cost for the review.

We serve all 58 California counties—from Alameda to Los Angeles to San Diego. Each county has different forms and deadlines; we handle that so you don't have to.

Typically the former owner of the property, their heirs (with proper documentation), or junior lienholders. Eligibility depends on the type of sale (trustee sale vs. tax sale) and county rules. We review your situation and advise whether you may qualify.

It depends on your situation and the county. Common items include ID, proof of ownership or interest in the property, and for heirs a death certificate and possibly probate or small-estate documents. We tell you exactly what's needed after we review your claim.

No. SurplusCheck is a private service. We are not affiliated with any county or state agency. You can always contact the county treasurer or tax collector directly. We offer professional assistance with forms, deadlines, and follow-up for a 25% fee only on recovery.

Our fee is 25% of the amount we recover for you. You receive 75%. We are paid only when funds are successfully recovered—no recovery, no fee. There is no upfront cost.

Deadlines vary by county and type of sale. Some claims must be filed within a set period; in other cases funds may remain available longer. Let us check—our free search can tell you if funds may still be available.

A trustee sale is a foreclosure by the lender (non-judicial); surplus is held by the trustee or sometimes transferred to the county. A tax sale is when the county sells property for unpaid taxes; excess proceeds are held by the county tax collector or treasurer. The claim process and forms differ; we handle both.

Start with our free search: provide the property address, California county, and if you know it the sale date. We'll review and contact you within 1–2 business days. If surplus may be available, we'll explain the next steps and any documents we need.

Yes. If the property owner is deceased, heirs may be entitled to claim surplus funds. You typically need to provide a death certificate and may need probate or small-estate documentation. We guide you through what your county requires.

Missing the deadline usually means you lose your right to the funds. That's why we file on time and follow up. If you're unsure whether a deadline has passed, submit your information for a free review—we can often determine whether funds are still available.