Imperial County, CA Excess Proceeds From Tax Sales

If a property in El Centro, Brawley, Calexico and the rest of Imperial County was sold at a tax-defaulted property auction for more than the taxes and costs owed, the former owner, lienholders, or heirs may be able to claim the excess proceeds from the Imperial County Treasurer-Tax Collector.

The Imperial County Treasurer-Tax Collector posts an Excess Proceeds Report after each public auction, along with its claim form, filing instructions, and a probate affidavit form. For example, the report for the February 20, 2026 auction lists March 19, 2027 as the last day to submit a claim.

Imperial County claim details

Use the county's own Excess Proceeds Claim Form; claims must be postmarked on or before the stated final date.
The county accepts claims from owners of record, lienholders of record, qualified heirs, businesses, and assignees, and from agents or attorneys-in-fact with proof of agency. Payment is made payable only to the claimant (the principal).
County code authorizes a $200 fee to process each excess proceeds claim.
The county states it has no obligation to give extra time beyond the one-year deadline to complete a claim.

Not sure if Imperial County is holding money for you? Ask us to check the Imperial County records, at no cost.

California rules that apply

Under Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code §4675, any party of interest may claim within one year after the tax collector's deed to the purchaser is recorded. Lienholders of record have priority, then owners of record. Heirs of a deceased owner may support a claim with a small-estate affidavit under Probate Code §13100. Anyone filing on your behalf must show the county that you were told the amount and source of the funds and your right to file directly at no cost.

How to check and claim, for free

Find the parcel on the county's surplus or excess proceeds list (links below), or call the office.
Get the county's claim form and gather proof of your interest (deed, lien, or death certificate and heirship documents).
File before the deadline and keep proof of mailing.

You can do this yourself, for free. Former owners and heirs may file a claim directly with the county (or court, for foreclosures) without hiring anyone and without paying a fee. We exist for people who would rather have a professional handle the research, paperwork, and follow-up.

How Owner Guardian helps

If you would rather not handle it alone, we confirm the funds with the county, gather records, prepare the claim, help heirs assemble proof, and track the deadline. No upfront fee; our contingency fee is disclosed in a written agreement before you sign. We work remotely and are not affiliated with the county.

Official sources

Other counties: Riverside County · San Bernardino County · Los Angeles County · San Joaquin County · Orange County · San Diego County · Sacramento County · Kern County · Fresno County. Back to California overview.

Information checked October 2026 from the official county sources above. Deadlines and procedures can change; always confirm with the county. General information, not legal advice.