When a property is sold at foreclosure—whether due to unpaid mortgage debt or delinquent property taxes—the property may sell for more than the total amount owed. After liens, court costs, taxes, and other obligations are satisfied, any remaining balance is called surplus funds or excess proceeds.

These funds are typically held by the court, sheriff’s office, or county tax authority until properly claimed. Unfortunately, many eligible individuals never recover this money simply because they do not know it exists.