Frequently Asked Questions

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A tax deed sale is a public auction held by a government agency, often a county, to sell properties and recover unpaid property taxes. When owners don't pay taxes, the government places a tax lien on the property. If taxes remain unpaid, the property is auctioned to the highest bidder, who gets a tax deed transferring ownership. These sales can offer property deals, but buyers should be cautious about existing debts on the property. Rules vary by location, so legal advice and research are crucial.

Tax deed surplus funds, also known as excess proceeds or overbids, refer to the remaining funds that are generated from the auction of a property at a tax deed sale. Tax deed sales occur when a property owner fails to pay their property taxes. To recoup the unpaid taxes, the government sells the property at a public auction.

When a property is sold at a tax deed auction, the bidding process often results in the property being sold for an amount that exceeds the delinquent taxes owed. This surplus amount is the difference between the final bid amount and the outstanding tax debt, as well as any additional fees and costs associated with the sale. 

Probate is the legal process to settle a deceased person's estate. It involves validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. An executor (if there's a will) or administrator (if no will) manages the process. Once debts are settled, assets are distributed, and the estate is closed. Laws and procedures vary by location.

Once you have spoken to one of our agents, we will walk you through the process and there are only a couple of forms to sign to get the ball rolling.

Our firm works only on a contingency basis which means we are compensated only with a successful claim. There are no out-of-pocket expenses, ever. We're paid ONLY upon a successful collection of your claim. We cover ALL expenses related to the claim until it is paid, and if the claim is unsuccessful, you owe us nothing.

Next, we will file the claim with the agency holding the funds. Claims are usually processed in 3-4 months and can be quicker than that depending on the complexity of the case. SFR will follow up with the agencies until funds are collected on your behalf. Next step is funds disbursed to you!!

Once you have signed our contingency fee agreement, we'll be happy to disclose where the funds have been located!

The governmental agencies we audit typically DO NOT post these unclaimed funds accounts online. You are welcome to search state unclaimed funds websites, but if you find funds there, these are not the funds we're informing you about.

We know the "ins and outs" of government agencies in all states. If a government agency is holding your funds, we know how to get them! Since after a certain period of time elapses, the government may get to keep your funds, it's always best to have professionals on your side.