How Much of My Surplus Will I Receive?
If a recovery agent is helping you claim your surplus funds, use this calculator to see exactly how much you'll take home after their fee.
The total funds held by the county or court in your name.
This should be in your signed agreement. Common ranges are 25–40%.
Common Questions
Do I have to use a recovery agent?
No. You can claim your own surplus funds directly from the county or court, usually for free or a small filing fee. Recovery agents are useful if you don't know how to navigate the process, but their fees come out of your payout.
Are recovery fees regulated?
Yes, in many states. For example, California limits fees to 50% of the surplus. Some states require written agreements before any fee can be charged. Check with your state's unclaimed property office for specific rules.
How long does it take to receive funds?
It varies by county and claim complexity — typically 2 to 12 months from claim submission to disbursement. Simple owner claims in cooperative counties can close in 60–90 days.
What is surplus funds or excess proceeds?
When a property is sold at a tax sale or foreclosure auction for more than the outstanding debt, the difference is surplus funds. Those funds belong to the former owner or their heirs, not the county.