Surplus Advisors

Kentucky Surplus Funds Recovery

If your property was sold at foreclosure or tax sale in Kentucky and brought more than what was owed, that extra money — the surplus — likely belongs to you. Here's exactly how Kentucky handles it.

Governing statute
KRS §426.520
Deadline to claim
Per Master Commissioner's report
Where to file
Court
Fee cap
30% (industry standard)

How surplus funds work in Kentucky

Kentucky foreclosure sales can generate surplus when the winning bid exceeds the outstanding debt, taxes, and costs. Under KRS §426.520, that surplus is held by the court and must be released to the rightful claimant — usually the former owner or their heirs.

Circuit Court — Master Commissioner's report.

Step-by-step: filing your claim

  1. Confirm there's a surplus. Request the final sale report or distribution from the court for your property.
  2. Gather proof of ownership. Recorded deed, prior tax bills, ID, and any heirship documents if the owner is deceased.
  3. Prepare the claim. Claim forms must be notarized.
  4. File before the deadline. Per Master Commissioner's report. Missing this window typically forfeits the surplus to the county or state.
  5. Track the disbursement. Once approved, the court issues payment — usually within 30–90 days.

Watch out for

Deadlines are strict. Kentucky's window is Per Master Commissioner's report. After that, funds typically escheat.
No advance fees. Kentucky prohibits demanding payment before recovery. Anyone asking for money upfront is a red flag.
Fee cap: 30%. Agreements above this are unenforceable in Kentucky.

Free Kentucky surplus check

We'll look up your county's records, confirm whether a surplus is being held, and walk you through the claim — no upfront fees, no obligation. Our fee is capped at 30% and only paid if you recover.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to claim surplus funds in Kentucky?

Per Master Commissioner's report. After that deadline the surplus typically escheats to the state or county.

Do I need a lawyer to file in Kentucky?

Not always — many Kentucky claims are administrative. Court-venue states often benefit from counsel or a licensed recovery service to handle motions and notarization.

What does Surplus Advisors charge?

We work on contingency, capped at the Kentucky maximum of 30%. No recovery, no fee.

What if the former owner passed away?

Heirs can claim the surplus with proof of relationship (death certificate, will or affidavit of heirship). We handle the paperwork.

Other states

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This page is informational and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes and deadlines change — confirm with the court of jurisdiction or an attorney licensed in Kentucky.