Lake County surplus funds list
Indiana · unclaimed money left over from tax deed and foreclosure sales.
Getting the Lake County list
The Lake County Auditor's Tax Sales page posts sale lists (through SRI) but no surplus list. Ask the Auditor's tax sale office (2293 N. Main St., Crown Point) for unclaimed tax sale surplus; it is a public record under IC 5-14-3.
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Indiana surplus funds rules
- Sales that create surplus
- County tax sale (IC 6-1.1-24); Commissioners' certificate sale (IC 6-1.1-24-6.1); Sheriff sale after judicial mortgage foreclosure (IC 32-30-10-14 surplus to clerk/court; HOA lien foreclosure (judicial) -
- Who holds the money
- Tax: county treasurer deposits surplus into the tax sale surplus fund; county auditor issues warrant on approved claim (IC 6-1.1-24-7). Mortgage: clerk of court holds sheriff-sale surplus pending court order. verify
- Unclaimed funds go to
- Tax surplus not claimed within 3 years after the date of the tax sale is transferred by the county auditor to the county general fund (IC 6-1.1-24-7(f)), except where redemption period extended by bankruptcy.
- How owners claim
- Sworn claim to county auditor/treasurer by the owner of record at time of certification for sale (divested at tax deed) - auditor and treasurer approve and auditor issues warrant. A contract holder/attorney-in-fact/guardian may receive warrant only as a court directs (IC 6-1.1-24-7(d)). — deadline: Within 3 years after the date of the tax sale (IC 6-1.1-24-7(e)(2)).
- Agent / finder fee cap
- Max 10% of the amount collected (cap does not apply if <= $50) - IC 6-1.1-24-7.5.
Law: IC 6-1.1-24-7; IC 6-1.1-24-7.5 · confirm details with the county; rules change.
Questions
Where does the Lake County surplus funds list come from?
From the official list published by Lake County (source). Surplus Funds HQ checks it daily and last found it updated Oct 12, 2026.
How do I claim surplus funds in Lake County?
The former owner (or heirs) files a claim with the office that holds the funds, usually with ID and proof of ownership. It is free to do yourself. See how to claim surplus funds; in Indiana: Within 3 years after the date of the tax sale (IC 6-1.1-24-7(e)(2))..
Can someone else claim the money for me?
Yes, recovery agents and attorneys do this for a fee, but Indiana law may cap the fee or require a waiting period (Max 10% of the amount collected (cap does not apply if <= $50)). Read any contract carefully; you never need an agent to file.