South Carolina surplus funds list

South Carolina surplus funds rules

Sales that create surplus

tax sale (county delinquent tax collector auction; judicial mortgage foreclosure (master-in-equity/special referee sale; HOA lien foreclosure

Who holds the money

The county 'governing body,' through the delinquent tax collector/county treasurer, in a separate interest-bearing account; the county keeps the interest. For foreclosures, the clerk of court or master-in-equity holds surplus. verify

Unclaimed funds go to

If not claimed or assigned within 5 years of the tax sale date, the overage escheats to the general fund of the county governing body (not state unclaimed property).

How owners claim

The owner of record immediately before the redemption period ended, or their assignee, files the county's overage claim with a copy of the tax deed, proof of ownership and ID. Some counties (e.g., Aiken) require a release/waiver. Overage is applied to outstanding municipal tax liens first. Payable 90 days after the tax deed is executed, unless another claimant files suit within that window. — deadline: 5 years from the tax sale date.

Agent / finder fee cap

None in statute (12-51-130).

Waiting period

None in statute; payment is available only after the 90-day post-deed period.

Registration

None in statute. Some counties give overage information only to the owner of record (Aiken).

Getting the list

County by county. Charleston County Delinquent Tax posts unclaimed-overage name lists by tax sale year (charlestoncounty.gov/departments/delinquent-tax). Greenville publishes claim instructions; online list . Otherwise use a SC FOIA request (S.C. Code 30-4-30) to the delinquent tax collector. verify

Law: S.C. Code 12-51-130 (also 12-51-90 redemption) · confirm details with the county; rules change.