State guides

Georgia: claiming tax sale surplus

In Georgia, when a property sells at a tax sale for more than the taxes and costs owed, the leftover money — called excess funds — is generally held by the county tax commissioner’s office.

How it works

• After the sale, the tax commissioner holds any excess funds from the auction.
• The former owner (and in some cases other parties with an interest, such as lienholders) may file a claim for the excess.
• Claims are filed directly with the tax commissioner’s office, usually with a claim form, photo ID, and proof of ownership.
• Some counties publish their excess-funds lists online — we monitor Gwinnett and Cobb counties, among others.

What to watch for

County lists sometimes note when a claim has already been filed on a property — that doesn’t necessarily end the matter, but it’s worth asking the office about. Also ask whether any lienholders have claims, since they’re generally paid before the former owner.

Who to contact

The Tax Commissioner’s office in the county where the property was located. Ask for the excess-funds (or surplus-funds) claim process.

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