What Happened to Your Money?
When a tax-defaulted property sells for more than what was owed, the difference belongs to the former owner by California law.
When a property owner falls behind on property taxes, Los Angeles County may eventually sell the property at a public tax auction. The county collects the delinquent taxes, penalties, and fees from the sale price — but anything above that amount is called excess proceeds.
Under California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 4675, these excess proceeds must be returned to the former owner and other eligible parties. The county is required to hold this money in trust and pay it out to rightful claimants.
However, the county is not required to notify you until 90 days after the tax deed is recorded. Many former owners never learn about these funds — or learn about them too late. There is a one-year filing deadline from the date the deed is recorded. After that, the funds are gone permanently.
You can verify whether excess proceeds exist for your former property by calling the county directly at (213) 974-2045 or visiting ttc.lacounty.gov. This verification is completely free.
This Is Your Legal Right
Excess proceeds are not a government program, a loophole, or a special offer. They are funds the law requires to be returned to you.
California courts have consistently upheld the right of former property owners to claim these funds. The county cannot keep them. They must be claimed — but only within the deadline.
A simple example: If your property sold at auction for $180,000 and the total taxes, penalties, and fees owed were $30,000, the remaining $150,000 in excess proceeds belongs to you — not the new buyer, not the county.
California Revenue & Taxation Code § 4675How the Process Works
Filing a claim involves specific county forms, documentation, notarized signatures, and strict deadlines. Here is what the process looks like.
Verify the Funds
Contact the LA County Treasurer & Tax Collector to confirm excess proceeds exist and the exact amount being held.
Prepare the Claim
Complete the county's official claim forms, gather required supporting documents, and obtain notarized signatures.
File Before the Deadline
Submit the completed package to the county by certified mail before the one-year deadline from deed recording.
Receive Your Funds
The county reviews the claim and, upon approval, issues a refund warrant payable directly to you.
Your Benefits — Working With Me
Recovering excess proceeds involves complex paperwork, strict deadlines, and county requirements that can feel overwhelming. Here is what you gain when you let me handle it.
💵 Zero Upfront Cost — Ever
You pay nothing to get started. Nothing during the process. My fee is a percentage of what is actually recovered — paid only after the county sends your funds. If your claim is unsuccessful for any reason, you owe me absolutely nothing. Zero financial risk to you.
📋 All Paperwork Handled For You
The county's claim process requires specific official forms, certified documents, notarized signatures, and precise filing procedures. I prepare every single document, coordinate notarization, and submit the complete package on your behalf — correctly and on time.
⏰ Never Miss Your Deadline
The one-year filing deadline is absolute — there are no extensions and no exceptions. I track every deadline meticulously and ensure your claim is filed well in advance. Missing this deadline means losing your funds permanently. That will not happen on my watch.
✅ You Receive Your Money Directly
The county issues the refund warrant directly in your name. You receive your funds directly from Los Angeles County — not through me. My fee is deducted only after you have confirmed receipt. Complete transparency at every step.
🤝 One Simple Step From You
Your only responsibility is to sign one notarized authorization form — which many UPS stores and banks provide for free. After that, I handle everything. No trips to county offices, no confusing forms, no follow-up calls to government agencies.
🔒 Completely Confidential
Losing a property is a deeply personal experience. Everything you share with me is held in strict confidence. There is no judgment, no pressure, and no obligation. I am here solely to help you recover what California law says is rightfully yours.
Your Rights as a Former Property Owner
California law is clear — excess proceeds from a tax auction sale belong to the former property owner. Not the county. Not the buyer. You.
It Is Your Legal Right
California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 4675 gives you the explicit right to claim these funds. The county is legally obligated to hold them for you — not keep them.
The Deadline Is Firm
You have exactly one year from the date the tax deed is recorded to file your claim. After that deadline, these funds are permanently gone — no extensions, no exceptions.
The Money Is Yours
Every dollar held by the county above what was owed in taxes, penalties, and fees belongs to you. These funds cannot be touched by anyone else — they are held in trust exclusively for you.
Do Not Let This Deadline Pass Without Taking Action
Many former property owners lose these funds not because they are ineligible — but because they did not know the money existed, or because the paperwork felt overwhelming during an already difficult time. I am here to make sure that does not happen to you.
I handle everything from start to finish — forms, documentation, notarization, filing, and follow-up — at no upfront cost. My fee is a percentage of what is successfully recovered, paid only when you receive your funds. If your claim is unsuccessful for any reason, you owe me nothing.
Let's Talk
If you believe you may be entitled to excess proceeds from the sale of your former property, I am happy to speak with you privately and without any obligation. There is no pressure and no cost to have a conversation.
You can also verify everything independently with the LA County Treasurer & Tax Collector before contacting me. I encourage it.
Burbank, CA 91506