Michigan Surplus Funds Recovery
If your property was sold at foreclosure or tax sale in Michigan and brought more than what was owed, that extra money — the surplus — likely belongs to you. Here's exactly how Michigan handles it.
How surplus funds work in Michigan
Michigan tax sales can generate surplus when the winning bid exceeds the outstanding debt, taxes, and costs. Under MCL §211.78t, that surplus is held by the treasurer and must be released to the rightful claimant — usually the former owner or their heirs.
Post-Rafaeli — strict 2-step deadline (intent then claim).
Step-by-step: filing your claim
- Confirm there's a surplus. Request the final sale report or distribution from the treasurer for your property.
- Gather proof of ownership. Recorded deed, prior tax bills, ID, and any heirship documents if the owner is deceased.
- Prepare the claim. Claim forms must be notarized.
- File before the deadline. July 1 of year after foreclosure (Notice of Intent by Mar 31). Missing this window typically forfeits the surplus to the county or state.
- Track the disbursement. Once approved, the treasurer issues payment — usually within 30–90 days.
Watch out for
Free Michigan surplus check
Frequently asked questions
July 1 of year after foreclosure (Notice of Intent by Mar 31). After that deadline the surplus typically escheats to the state or county.
Not always — many Michigan claims are administrative. Court-venue states often benefit from counsel or a licensed recovery service to handle motions and notarization.
We work on contingency, capped at the Michigan maximum of 30%. No recovery, no fee.
Heirs can claim the surplus with proof of relationship (death certificate, will or affidavit of heirship). We handle the paperwork.
Other states
This page is informational and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes and deadlines change — confirm with the treasurer of jurisdiction or an attorney licensed in Michigan.