Los Angeles County, CA Excess Proceeds From Tax Sales

If a property in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Lancaster, Palmdale and the rest of Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles County Treasurer-Tax Collector.

The Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector mails a written notice of “Excess Proceeds from Sale of Defaulted Property” to the last known addresses of parties of interest no later than 90 days after a sale, when the excess is more than $150. Claim forms are included with those notices and are also posted on the county's Notice of Excess Proceeds page.

Los Angeles County claim details

The county notes that state law lets parties of interest designate agents who may charge fees, but that you can file claims without fees directly with the Treasurer and Tax Collector.
The one-year state deadline from recording of the tax deed applies.

Not sure if Los Angeles County is holding money for you? Ask us to check the Los Angeles 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

LA County Treasurer and Tax Collector: Notice of Excess Proceeds

Other counties: Imperial County · Riverside County · San Bernardino 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.