Claiming Excess Proceeds After an LA County Tax Sale
If a property was sold at a Los Angeles County tax auction for more than the taxes, penalties and costs owed, the leftover money is called excess proceeds. Former owners, and other “parties of interest” such as lienholders and, in many cases, heirs of a deceased owner, may be able to claim it.
The money doesn’t come automatically. There’s a claim process and a deadline, and many eligible people never file.
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How excess proceeds work, in plain English
- The auction happens. The county sells the property and records a tax deed to the buyer.
- Taxes and costs are paid first. Anything left over is held as excess proceeds.
- Notice goes out. The LA County Treasurer and Tax Collector (TTC) generally sends notice to parties of interest at their last known addresses. With deceased owners or old addresses, the notice often reaches no one.
- Claims are filed. Parties of interest submit a claim with supporting documents. California law generally requires claims within one year after the tax deed is recorded. Confirm the deadline for your specific sale with the TTC.
- The county reviews and pays. If more than one party claims, priority rules apply (for example, recorded lienholders generally come before the former owner).
Official information and claim forms: ttc.lacounty.gov (search “excess proceeds”).
Who may be a party of interest?
- The former owner(s) of record.
- Lienholders recorded before the tax deed.
- Heirs or the estate of a deceased former owner, who usually must show their legal right through probate documents, a small estate affidavit or other proof, depending on the situation.
Documents you may need
- Government ID.
- Proof of ownership or interest (deed, title report).
- If the owner passed away: death certificate and proof of your right to the estate’s assets (letters of administration, an affidavit, a court order, or a will plus other documents as the county requires).
- The completed county claim form, which may need to be notarized.
You can file yourself, for free
You don’t have to hire anyone to claim excess proceeds. The county’s process is open to claimants directly. Some people choose help because the estate paperwork is complicated, the heirs are scattered, or the deadline is close.
A note on “finders”: California regulates people who charge to help with excess proceeds claims, including limits on fees and written-disclosure requirements. Anyone offering help should put the fee and terms in writing and tell you that you can file directly. If someone pressures you or asks for money upfront, walk away.
How we help
- Check whether a sold property appears to have excess proceeds, based on county records.
- Explain the general claim process and what documents the county typically asks for.
- For heirs who also hold interests in other inherited property, discuss options for those properties too.
- Refer you to an attorney when the estate side needs legal work.
Any arrangement where we’re compensated will be fully disclosed in writing and will comply with California law. Have counsel confirm the specifics before we offer this service.
Before it gets to this point
If the property hasn’t sold yet, you almost always keep more by acting before the auction. See Stop a Tax Auction and LA County Property Tax Default.
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“I’m Erwin Miciano. I started SoCal Property Resolution because the families I met weren’t looking for a flashy cash offer. They were stuck: a house split between relatives, a probate case that wouldn’t move, a tax bill nobody knew about. My job is to explain your options honestly. Sometimes that means buying, and sometimes it means pointing you somewhere else.”
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if there are excess proceeds from my property?
Contact the LA County Treasurer and Tax Collector or check their published excess proceeds information for your sale.
How long do I have to claim?
Generally one year after the tax deed is recorded. Confirm the exact deadline with the TTC.
Can heirs claim excess proceeds?
Often yes, if they can document their legal right to the deceased owner’s estate. The required proof depends on the estate’s situation.
Do I need a lawyer?
Not necessarily for a simple claim, but an attorney helps when there are multiple heirs, disputes or no probate yet.
What if there are liens on the property?
Recorded lienholders may have priority over the former owner for the excess funds.
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Get My OptionsCall (619) 996-0830SoCal Property Resolution is a real estate investment company that may buy property or ownership interests as a principal. We are not attorneys, tax advisors, real estate agents or a government agency, and this page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Laws, deadlines and county procedures change; confirm details with a qualified California attorney or tax professional and the relevant county office.
