County Surplus RecoveryWest Virginia
West Virginia tax‑sale surplus

You may be owed money from a West Virginia tax sale.

When a property sells at a tax sale for more than the taxes owed, the extra money — the surplus — belongs to the former owner or their heirs. A lot of it is never claimed. We help West Virginia families find it and get it.

Tell us about your case See how it works
●No upfront cost option ●No obligation ●All 55 counties
How a surplus happens
Winning bid at the tax salewhat the buyer paid$50,000
− Back taxes, interest & costswhat was actually owed− $148.56
Surplus that belongs to you$49,851.44

From a real West Virginia case: a tax debt of just $148.56 — but the certificate sold at auction for $50,000. The tax owed is often only a few hundred dollars, yet the surplus can be tens of thousands, and by law it belongs to the owner or heirs, not the county. We confirm every figure from county and State Auditor records before anything moves forward.

The basics

What a surplus is, in plain terms

In West Virginia, when property taxes go unpaid, the county sells a tax lien on the property. If it later sells for more than the taxes, interest, and costs owed, that leftover money is called a surplus (sometimes an overbid).

That surplus doesn't belong to the county or the buyer. By law it belongs to the former owner — or, if they've passed away, to their heirs. But the money has to be claimed, correctly and on time, or it can be lost.

If the owner has passed away

Many surplus cases are tied to someone who died years ago — listed as an estate, "heirs of," or "et al." Their children, grandchildren, or other heirs may be entitled to the money and not even know it exists. Finding the right heirs is a big part of what we do.

Our process

How it works

Straightforward, and you're never charged to find out where you stand.

1

We reach you — or you reach us

We may contact you because your name came up in the records, or you get in touch after reading this. Either way, the first conversation is free.

2

We confirm the money & the claim

We verify the surplus from county and State Auditor records, confirm you're the rightful owner or heir, and trace any other heirs who need to be included.

3

You choose how to get paid

We lay out both options in plain language — the attorney‑filed claim or selling us your claim — and you pick the one that fits. No pressure.

4

You get your money

Depending on the option, you're either paid within about ten days, or paid when the claim is approved. We handle the paperwork either way.

Two ways to be paid

Your two options

Same goal — your money in your hands. The difference is speed versus size. We'll help you weigh which makes sense for your situation.

Option 1 — We file your claim

Usually the most money

Our licensed West Virginia attorneys file the surplus claim on your behalf.

  • Nothing out of pocket. You pay only if and when you're paid.
  • Typically returns the largest amount to you.
  • Real attorneys handle the filing and the court process.

Best if you'd rather wait for the full amount and have professionals do the work.

Option 2 — We buy your claim

Paid in ~10 days

We purchase your right to the surplus for an agreed amount and wait on the claim ourselves.

  • Paid within about 10 days of recording the assignment.
  • A set amount — no waiting on the court, no uncertainty.
  • We take on the time and the risk from there.

Best if you'd rather have cash now and be done, for a lower amount than Option 1.

 Option 1 — We fileOption 2 — We buy
What you getThe most moneyA set, agreed amount
When you're paidWhen the claim is approved~10 days after recording
Up‑front costNoneNone
Who filesOur WV attorneysWe do, after we buy it
Who waits / takes the riskYou (paid on success)We do
Why us

Local, licensed, and upfront

55

West Virginia counties served

$0

Upfront cost to see if you're owed

~10

Days to payment if you sell us your claim

WV

Claims filed by licensed West Virginia attorneys

Questions

Fair questions, straight answers

Is this a scam?+

It's a fair thing to ask — there are people who aren't honest about this. We're a West Virginia company, the claims are filed by licensed West Virginia attorneys, and everything is in writing. You're never asked to pay anything up front, and you're under no obligation to use us. We'll show you the records that prove the surplus is real before you decide anything.

How much will it cost me?+

Nothing to start, and nothing out of pocket. With Option 1 you pay only if you're paid — our fee comes out of the recovery. With Option 2 there's no fee at all; we simply pay you an agreed amount for your claim. We put the exact terms in writing before you sign anything.

What if the property owner passed away?+

Then the surplus may belong to their heirs — children, grandchildren, or other relatives. We trace the family, confirm who's entitled, and make sure the right people are included so the claim holds up. This is one of the most common situations we handle.

How long does it take?+

If you sell us your claim (Option 2), you're typically paid within about ten days of the assignment being recorded. If our attorneys file the claim (Option 1), it follows the court's timeline, which can take longer — but usually returns more money to you.

Am I obligated to anything by contacting you?+

No. Reaching out just starts a free conversation. We'll tell you whether there's money, how much, and your options. If you'd rather not go forward, that's completely fine.

Get started

Tell us about your case

Send us a few details and we'll look into it — at no cost — and get back to you with where you stand.

By sending this you agree we can contact you about your case. No cost, no obligation.

Thank you — we've got your details.

We'll review the records and get back to you. If you'd rather talk now, call or email us using the details beside this form.