Philadelphia County surplus funds list
Pennsylvania · unclaimed money left over from tax deed and foreclosure sales.
Getting the Philadelphia County list
In Philadelphia, tax and mortgage foreclosures are Sheriff's sales; any excess after the schedule of distribution is claimed by petition in the Court of Common Pleas. Ask the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office (real estate division) for undistributed sale proceeds; its site blocks automated access.
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Pennsylvania surplus funds rules
- Sales that create surplus
- County Tax Claim Bureau upset sale and judicial (free and clear) sale under Real Estate Tax Sale Law (RETSL), 72 P.S. 5860.101 et seq.; Philadelphia/Pittsburgh sheriff tax sales under Municipal Claims and Tax Liens Act; Judicial mortgage foreclosure sheriff sales (distribution under Pa.R.C.P. 3136 schedule); No non-judicial trustee sales
- Who holds the money
- Tax sales: county Tax Claim Bureau holds owner's balance in a separate account per property (RETSL 205(b)). Sheriff sales: county sheriff (e.g., Philadelphia Sheriff's Office) holds proceeds pending schedule of distribution.
- Unclaimed funds go to
- RETSL 205(f): if no claim for the balance due owner within 3 years of the sale date, the balance is distributed to taxing districts pro rata by millage (county keeps interest). Sheriff excess unclaimed goes to PA Treasury unclaimed property. verify
- How owners claim
- Tax Claim Bureau: notarized application with photo ID and proof of ownership/interest (county forms, e.g., Berks, Cumberland). Owner is paid fifth after Commonwealth, taxing districts, municipal claims, mortgagees/lienholders (205(d)). Sheriff sales: exceptions/claim to schedule of distribution (Pa.R.C.P. 3136) or petition to court. — deadline: 3 years from date of tax sale (RETSL 205(f)).
- Agent / finder fee cap
- 15% of property value, but only for unclaimed property held by PA Treasury (72 P.S. 1301.11a, per Treasury notices). No statutory cap found for funds still held by Tax Claim Bureau or sheriff.
Law: 72 P.S. 5860.205 (RETSL); 72 P.S. 1301.11a (unclaimed property finders); Pa.R.C.P. 3136 · confirm details with the county; rules change.
Questions
Where does the Philadelphia County surplus funds list come from?
From the official list published by Philadelphia County (source). Surplus Funds HQ checks it daily and last found it updated Oct 12, 2026.
How do I claim surplus funds in Philadelphia 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 Pennsylvania: 3 years from date of tax sale (RETSL 205(f))..
Can someone else claim the money for me?
Yes, recovery agents and attorneys do this for a fee, but Pennsylvania law may cap the fee or require a waiting period (15% of property value, but only for unclaimed property held by PA Treasury (72 P.S. 1301.11a, per Treasury notices). No statutory cap found for funds still held by Tax Claim Bureau or sheriff.). Read any contract carefully; you never need an agent to file.