Important Deadlines You Can’t Miss: Michigan Surplus Claim Timeline

When it comes to claiming surplus funds in Michigan, timing is everything. Even if you qualify for thousands of dollars from a foreclosure sale, missing the deadline to file a claim could mean losing that money forever. To make sure you don’t leave funds unclaimed, it’s essential to understand Michigan’s surplus claim timeline.

Why Deadlines Matter

Michigan law sets strict rules for when surplus funds must be claimed. Once the deadline passes, the money doesn’t stay waiting—it can be turned over to the state as unclaimed property. From there, the process of recovering it becomes much harder—or impossible.

Key Michigan Deadlines

2015–2020 Tax Foreclosures
– Following the Rafaeli v. Oakland County decision, Michigan homeowners who lost property to tax foreclosure during these years may now have a right to claim surplus funds.
– Claims must be filed before the courts or county’s set deadline. If you miss it, you forfeit your claim.
Post-2020 Foreclosures
– For foreclosures after 2020, surplus claims must generally be filed within a short statutory period (often within months of the foreclosure sale). Deadlines may vary by county, so checking quickly is critical.
Unclaimed Property Rules

– If surplus funds are not claimed within the time limit, they can be transferred to the Michigan Department of Treasury under unclaimed property laws. While recovery may still be possible, the process is more complex.

Why Many People Miss the Deadline

Lack of awareness: Many don’t even know surplus funds exist.
Confusion about notices: Some counties notify homeowners, but the mail often gets missed.
Paperwork delays: Gathering ownership, heirship, or probate documents can take time—and the court clock keeps ticking.

How Surplus Refund LLC Helps You Stay on Track

At Surplus Refund LLC, we know deadlines make or break a claim. That’s why we:

Monitor timelines for every county in Michigan.
Prepare and file your claim before deadlines expire.
Handle probate or heirship documents so delays don’t cost you money.
Keep you informed every step of the way so you don’t miss opportunities.

Act Now—Time is Not on Your Side

If your home was foreclosed in Michigan between 2015 and 2020, or more recently, you may be owed surplus funds—but the deadline to file is fast approaching. Don’t risk losing what’s rightfully yours.