State guides

South Carolina: claiming tax sale surplus

In South Carolina, when a property sells at a delinquent tax sale for more than the taxes, penalties, and costs owed, the leftover money — called overage — is generally held by the county treasurer’s office (or the delinquent tax collector, depending on the county).

How it works

After the sale, overage is held by the county and the former owner may file a claim for it.
Claims go to the county treasurer — ask for the overage claim process and what documentation they require.
Bring photo ID, proof of Social Security number, and proof you owned the property.
We monitor selected South Carolina counties, including Orangeburg County.

South Carolina’s five-year rule

State law (Section 12-51-130) provides that overage unclaimed after five years goes to the county’s general fund — at that point it is no longer available to claim. Five years sounds like a long time, but it passes faster than you’d think, and older cases need extra verification.

Act steadily, not frantically. You have time — but not unlimited time. Contact the county treasurer’s office to confirm the current deadline for your specific case, especially if the sale was several years ago.

Who to contact

The County Treasurer’s office (or Delinquent Tax Collector) in the county where the property was located. Ask for the tax-sale overage claim process.

Search your name free · Other states: Ohio · Florida · Georgia · Tennessee · Maryland