Find out if the county
owes you money

After a property tax sale in California, surplus funds may belong to the former owner. Search free.

You can file directly with the county for free — we're here if you want help.

How it works

1

Search

Enter a name and county. We check public surplus records from California tax sales — free, no account needed.

2

Review

If a possible match exists, request a free review. We verify the record, confirm eligibility, and explain your options.

3

Claim

File the claim yourself for free, or let us handle the paperwork. Either way, you know what you may be owed.

What are surplus funds?

When a property sells at a California tax auction for more than the taxes owed, the difference — called “surplus” or “excess proceeds” — may belong to the former owner. Under California Revenue & Tax Code §4675, former owners have the right to claim these funds.

Important: You can file a surplus claim directly with your county for free — no company is required. OverageVault provides research and filing assistance as an optional service.

Common questions

Is searching really free?+

Yes. The search checks public records at no cost, no account required.

Can I file the claim myself?+

Absolutely. You can file directly with your county treasurer's office for free. We provide that information for every record we find.

How long do I have to claim?+

Under California law, the deadline is generally one year from the date of the tax sale. After that, the funds may escheat to the state.

What does OverageVault charge?+

Our research and review is free. If you want us to handle the filing process, we work on a contingency basis — no upfront fees.