Charleston County surplus funds list
South Carolina · unclaimed money left over from tax deed and foreclosure sales.
Getting the Charleston County list
Charleston County's Delinquent Tax Division explains that the defaulting taxpayer is entitled to the overage once the property is conveyed, but its tax sale pages carry no current overage list. Ask the Delinquent Tax Division or file a FOIA request on the county site. The claim needs the county's overage claim form (notarized), a copy of the tax deed, proof the claimant owned the property before redemption ended, and ID; unclaimed overages go to the county after 5 years.
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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).
Law: S.C. Code 12-51-130 (also 12-51-90 redemption) · confirm details with the county; rules change.
Questions
Where does the Charleston County surplus funds list come from?
From the official list published by Charleston County (source). Surplus Funds HQ checks it daily and last found it updated Oct 12, 2026.
How do I claim surplus funds in Charleston 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 South Carolina: 5 years from the tax sale date..
Can someone else claim the money for me?
Yes, recovery agents and attorneys do this for a fee, but South Carolina law may cap the fee or require a waiting period (None in statute (12-51-130).). Read any contract carefully; you never need an agent to file.