Wayne County · Michigan

Recover Your
Wayne County Surplus Funds

If your property in Wayne County was sold at a tax or foreclosure sale, you may have unclaimed money waiting. We find it, file the claim, and recover it — at no upfront cost.

Filing Method

Court Petition

Processing Time

~4 months (120 days)

Attorney Required

Not Required

Claim Deadline

1 year from sale date

Check My Wayne County Claim How It Works

What This Is

Surplus Funds in Wayne County, Michigan

When a property is sold at a Wayne County tax sale or foreclosure auction for more than what was owed, the extra amount is called surplus funds (also called excess proceeds or tax sale overage). Under Michigan law, those funds legally belong to the former property owner.

Wayne County is required to hold these funds — but they are not required to actively find you. Most former owners never learn the money exists. If the funds go unclaimed for 1 year from sale date, they are forfeited permanently.

We search Wayne County public records, identify surplus funds in your name, and handle the entire claims process on your behalf — at no upfront cost.

The Process

How Claims Work in Wayne County

Free Verification

We search Wayne County public records to confirm surplus funds exist in your name and how much is available.

Sign Your Fee Agreement

You sign a contingency fee agreement — no upfront payment required. We only earn a fee if we successfully recover funds for you.

File With Wayne County

We prepare all required documents and court petition to the Wayne County clerk on your behalf.

County Review

Wayne County reviews the claim. This typically takes ~4 months (120 days). We follow up directly with the county throughout this period.

You Get Paid

Once approved, the county disburses the funds. Your share is paid directly to you per the fee agreement.

Documents

What Wayne County Typically Requires

Government-issued photo ID
Proof of ownership at time of sale (deed, title, or tax record)
Signed fee agreement with your recovery agent
Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, or similar)

We prepare and organize all required documents as part of our service.

Wayne County Notes

File notarized Notice of Intent by March 31. Court authorization required under MCL 211.78t. No fee cap but courts scrutinize; keep < 33%.

Free Review

Claim Your Wayne County Funds

No upfront cost. Contingency only.

Deadline: 1 year from sale date — don't wait.

Start My Free Claim Review

No upfront fees ever

We handle all paperwork

You pay only if we recover

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FAQ

Wayne County Surplus Funds — Common Questions

What are surplus funds in Wayne County?

When a property in Wayne County is sold at a tax sale or foreclosure auction for more than what was owed in taxes or liens, the extra money — called surplus funds or excess proceeds — legally belongs to the former owner. Wayne County holds these funds, but most former owners are never notified they exist.

How long do I have to claim surplus funds in Wayne County?

Under Michigan law, you have 1 year from sale date to file a claim. Once this deadline passes, the funds are typically forfeited to the county or state and cannot be recovered. Acting quickly is critical.

Do I need an attorney to claim surplus funds in Wayne County?

No attorney is required in Wayne County. A licensed surplus recovery agent can file your claim directly with the county — which is typically faster and simpler than going through court.

How does Wayne County pay out surplus funds?

Once your claim is approved, Wayne County disburses the funds to you. Your agent's contingency fee is then collected per your signed fee agreement.

How long does the surplus funds claim process take in Wayne County?

The Wayne County claims process typically takes ~4 months (120 days). This includes document preparation, submission, county review, and disbursement. We handle all communication with the county on your behalf and keep you updated throughout.

How much does it cost to recover my Wayne County surplus funds?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency basis — you only pay a percentage of what we actually recover. If we recover nothing, you owe nothing. There are no upfront fees, retainers, or hidden costs.

Recover Your Wayne County Surplus Funds