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About the organization
We work for the person who lost the property, and nobody else
Claim Surplus Refund Organization exists for one reason: counties across the country are sitting on money that belongs to people who never found out about it. We find those people and get them paid.
Why an organization, and not a sales operation
Surplus funds recovery has a bad reputation, and it earned it. Every county auction list is public, which means the moment a property sells, the former owner's name and address go onto a dozen cold-call lists. What follows is often a stream of vague letters, pressure to sign something quickly, and companies that will not say plainly what they charge or what they do.
We built this the other way round. Our first conversation is a phone call in which we tell you what the records show, what your county's rules are, and what we would do, including telling you when you would be better off filing the claim yourself.
The .org in our name is not decoration. It reflects how we would rather be judged: as advocates for the person who lost the property, not as a company selling a service to them at their worst moment.
What we hold ourselves to
Four commitments, and you can hold us to every one
We are paid only after you are
No retainer, no filing charge, no hourly billing, and no invoice if the claim fails. Our fee comes out of the recovery once the county releases it - never out of your pocket beforehand.
Nothing is hidden before you sign
You get the full written agreement, including exactly what we are paid and when. Take it away, read it, show it to a lawyer. Anyone who rushes you past this step should worry you.
We say so when there is nothing
Many searches come back empty, or the surplus is far smaller than people hope. We tell you that straight away rather than keeping you on the hook.
You can always walk away
You have the right to pursue the claim yourself, or through your own attorney, and to call the county directly at no cost. We will tell you that ourselves - it is your money.
- Nationwide
- We work with counties across the country. Rules differ by state, and we will tell you plainly how yours works.
- 6-9 months
- How long a typical claim takes, depending on the complexity of the case and your state's rules.
- $0
- What you pay before your money is released. The records check is free, and always will be.
Being straight with you
What we are not
We are not a law firm
We do not give legal, tax or financial advice. Some claims - contested estates in particular - genuinely need an attorney, and when yours is one of them we will say so rather than take it on.
We cannot promise a result
Nobody can. Whether a surplus exists, who else has a claim on it, and how a county rules are outside anyone's control. Any firm guaranteeing you a payout is telling you something they cannot know.
We are not your only option
You can file yourself, for free, and for a simple claim that may well be the right call. Our process page sets out exactly what we take on so you can judge whether it is worth it.
Talk to us before you decide anything
Ask us whatever you like about your situation. There is no obligation attached to a phone call, and no fee for the records check.