Dakota County, Minnesota Tax-Forfeiture Surplus

If land in Hastings, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Lakeville and the rest of Dakota County forfeited for unpaid taxes and was later sold for more than was owed, former owners and other interested parties may be able to claim the surplus from Dakota County.

Dakota County explains that any money left after delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, costs, and expenses are paid is surplus funds that former owners and interested parties can claim. When this page was reviewed in October 2026, the county said no surplus funds were available to claim, and that it will post a list of eligible properties when they become available.

Dakota County claim details

Watch the county's tax-forfeited property page for a posted surplus list.
If a surplus arises, the county must mail notice and a claim form within 60 days of the sale, and you have six months from that mailing to claim.

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

Minnesota rules that apply

Under Minn. Stat. §282.005, subd. 6, the county auditor must mail a notice of the surplus and a claim form to interested parties within 60 days of the sale. You have six months from the date the notice is first mailed to file. If claims conflict, the county may ask the district court to decide. The law followed Tyler v. Hennepin County, 598 U.S. 631 (2023).

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

Dakota County tax-forfeited property and surplus funds

Other counties: St. Louis County · Hennepin County · Ramsey County · Anoka County · Olmsted County. Back to Minnesota 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.