State guides
Tennessee: claiming tax sale surplus
In Tennessee, when a property sells at a tax sale for more than what was owed, the leftover money — often called surplus or overplus — is generally handled through the county trustee’s office or the court that ordered the sale, depending on the county.
How it works
- After the sale, surplus is held at the county level while eligible parties — usually the former owner first — may come forward.
- Claims go through the county trustee or the court clerk’s office; the right starting point varies by county, so a phone call first saves time.
- Bring photo ID and anything showing you owned the property.
- We monitor selected Tennessee counties, including Davidson County’s surplus list.
An important Tennessee wrinkle
If surplus goes unclaimed at the county level, Tennessee law eventually moves it to the state’s unclaimed property program. The money may still be claimable there — but through the state treasurer’s office, with a different process. If your sale was several years ago, check both the county and the state unclaimed-property search.
Don’t guess at timing. Because funds can move from the county
to the state, contact the county trustee’s office to confirm the
current deadline and where your funds are held right now.
Who to contact
- Recent sales: the County Trustee’s office where the property was located.
- Older sales: also check the Tennessee Treasury’s unclaimed property program.
Search your name free · Other states: Ohio · Florida · Georgia · Maryland · South Carolina