San Bernardino County, CA Excess Proceeds From Tax Sales

If a property in San Bernardino, Fontana, Ontario, Victorville, Rancho Cucamonga and the rest of San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino County Treasurer-Tax Collector.

The San Bernardino County Treasurer-Tax Collector publishes local rules for excess proceeds claims (Policy No. 05-52) and a claim form for each tax sale.

San Bernardino County claim details

The claim form must be notarized, and a separate form is needed for each parcel.
Claims must be filed within one year after the tax deed is recorded, and the county does not process them until that year has passed.
Forms go to the Tax Collector, Attn: Tax Sales, 268 W. Hospitality Lane, First Floor, San Bernardino; phone (909) 387-8308.

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: Imperial County · Riverside 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.

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