Your Questions Answered โ Clearly and Honestly
We understand that receiving notice about unclaimed money can raise questions and even skepticism. Below, we've answered the most common questions we hear from people like you. If you don't see your question here, please don't hesitate to contact us directly.
How did this money end up with the government?
When property is sold through a tax sale or foreclosure, the proceeds are first used to pay off the debt owed. Any remaining funds are deposited into a government holding account. The government is required to hold these funds for a specified period and make them available to rightful claimants, but they don't actively seek out owners to notify them.
Why didn't anyone tell me about this money?
Government agencies are only required to make minimal effort to notify former property owners. This usually means publishing a notice in a local newspaper or sending a letter to an old address on file. If you've moved, changed your name, or simply missed the notice, you may never have known about these funds.
That's why services like ours exist โ to actively research and locate people who are entitled to money they don't know about.
Is this a scam?
This sounds too good to be true.
We completely understand your skepticism โ and we actually encourage it. Tax overage scams do exist, which is why you should be cautious. Here's what makes legitimate services different:
We provide documentation proving the overage exists before you commit to anything
We never ask for money upfront โ our fee only comes from successfully recovered funds
We're licensed and registered with the appropriate state agencies
We work with official government offices and can provide verification of our claims research
We're happy to answer all your questions and provide proof of the overage before you agree to work with us.
Can I verify this on my own?
Absolutely. Tax overages are public record. You can contact the county clerk or treasurer's office where the property was located and ask about surplus funds from tax sales. However, navigating these systems can be time-consuming and confusing. We've already done the research and know exactly where your funds are held.
Why do I need your help? Can't I just claim this myself?
You absolutely can attempt to claim tax overages on your own. However, the process is complex and involves:
Identifying the exact government office holding the funds
Understanding specific claim requirements that vary by jurisdiction
Completing extensive legal documentation correctly
Meeting strict filing deadlines
Providing proof of ownership or heirship
Following up persistently with government agencies
Many people find this process overwhelming or make mistakes that result in delayed or denied claims. We handle everything correctly the first time, saving you time, stress, and potential errors.
What is your fee, and when do I pay it?
We work on a contingency basis. This means:
No upfront costs โ you pay nothing to get started
No out-of-pocket expenses โ we cover all filing fees, notary costs, and administrative expenses
Fee only upon success โ our fee is a percentage of the recovered funds and is only collected if we successfully recover your money
You get the majority โ the larger portion of recovered funds goes to you
The exact percentage is specified in our written agreement before any work begins. There are never any hidden fees or surprise charges.
What happens if you can't recover the money?
If for any reason we're unable to successfully recover your funds, you owe us nothing. The entire process is risk-free for you. We only succeed when you succeed.
How long does the process take?
Typical processing times range from 3 to 6 months, though this varies depending on:
Which government agency holds the funds
The complexity of your claim
Whether additional documentation is needed.
How quickly the agency processes claims
We provide realistic timeline expectations for your specific situation and keep you updated on progress throughout.
Will I be kept informed during the process?
Yes โ continuous communication is one of our core commitments. You'll receive:
Regular status updates (weekly or bi-weekly)
Immediate notification of any developments
Direct access to your dedicated case manager
Answers to questions at any time
You'll never be left wondering what's happening with your claim.
How do I know if I'm eligible?
If we've contacted you, it's because our research indicates you're likely eligible. Generally, you're eligible if:
You owned the property that was sold
You're the legal heir of the deceased property owner
You have rights to the estate through probate or inheritance
We verify eligibility before we ever reach out to you.
What if the property belonged to a deceased family member?
You can still claim tax overages on behalf of a deceased relative if you're a legal heir or estate representative. The process requires additional documentation such as death certificates, probate papers, or proof of heirship, but we guide you through obtaining everything needed.
What if I co-owned the property with someone else?
Co-owners are typically entitled to their proportional share of the overage. We can handle claims involving multiple owners or heirs and ensure everyone receives their appropriate portion.
What if I'm not sure if this is my property?
We'll provide specific details about the property including the address, sale date, and approximate overage amount. If you're uncertain, we can verify ownership records and confirm whether you have a claim.
Are there deadlines for claiming tax overages?
Yes. Most states impose strict time limits ranging from 1 to 5 years from the date of sale. Once this deadline passes, the funds typically become property of the state and cannot be recovered. This is why it's critical to act quickly when you're notified about potential funds.
Is my personal information safe?
We take your privacy and security seriously. Any personal information you provide is:
Used solely for processing your claim
Stored securely with industry-standard protections
Never shared with third parties except as required for claim processing
Handled in compliance with all privacy regulations
Will someone need to come to my home?
For your convenience, we often arrange for a mobile notary to come to your home to notarize required documents. This is completely optional โ you can also visit a notary of your choice. The mobile notary service is provided at no additional cost to you.
Why am I receiving a check -vs- EFT deposit?
In most cases, the government agency will mail a check directly to you, the claimant. In some jurisdictions, the check may be issued to our office, in which case we immediately send you your portion via your preferred method.
How much will I receive?
The total overage amount varies based on the property sale price and the debts that were paid. After our agreed-upon fee is deducted, you receive the remaining balance, which is always the substantial majority of the recovered funds.
We'll tell you the estimated overage amount upfront, so you know what to expect.
Are there any other fees I should know about?
No. Our contingency fee covers everything โ research, filing, notary services, follow-up, and all administrative costs. There are no additional fees, hidden charges, or surprise expenses.
Are tax overage recoveries taxable?
We recommend consulting with a tax professional about your specific situation. In many cases, tax overages are not considered taxable income, but individual circumstances vary. We provide you with all documentation needed for your tax records.
What if someone else tries to claim my money?
Tax overages go to the rightful owner or their legal heirs. However, if multiple people have competing claims (for example, several heirs of a deceased property owner), the process can become more complex. We help you establish your rightful claim and navigate any competing claims if they arise.
What if I already sold or lost the property years ago?
The overage is still yours. It doesn't matter if you no longer own the property, if it was foreclosed on, or if the sale happened years ago. If you owned it at the time of the tax sale, the surplus belongs to you (or your estate).
Why should I trust you over other companies?
Trust should be earned, not assumed. Here's what we offer:
Transparency โ we explain everything clearly and provide documentation
Communication โ you're updated regularly and have direct access to your case manager
No risk โ you pay nothing unless we recover your funds
Track record โ we've successfully recovered funds for many clients
We encourage you to ask questions, verify our credentials, and take the time to feel comfortable before proceeding.