DeKalb County, GASurplus Funds and Excess Proceeds
Part of the Georgia surplus funds guide.
- Confirmed unclaimed
- $6,610,561
- Cases
- 226
- Sale dates
- 2021-05-04 – 2026-05-05
Balances confirmed against clerk records, most recently 8/15/2026. Amounts change as claims are paid.
The Office Holding the Funds
DeKalb County Tax Commissioner
This office is the authoritative source for claim procedures and deadlines. Verify anything on this page against it. Last verified 2026-08-15.
What Excess Funds Is
In Georgia, money left over after a delinquent property tax sale is called excess funds. Unlike most states, the funds are held by the county Tax Commissioner rather than a court clerk, and each county publishes its own excess funds list.
Excess funds belong to the parties with a claim on the property at the time of the sale — typically the former owner of record, then lienholders in order of priority. Counties generally require a written claim with proof of identity and proof of interest before releasing money.
Always confirm current claim requirements and deadlines directly with the county Tax Commissioner before acting on any list.
Georgia Law at a Glance
- Non-attorney recovery companies
- Permitted
These rules apply statewide, including in DeKalb County. Last verified 2026-08-15.
How To Claim in DeKalb County
You do not need an attorney or a recovery company to claim these funds. Filing directly with the clerk is free.
If you choose to hire someone, read the fee terms carefully before signing.
Find the office holding the money
DeKalb County Tax Commissioner publishes its own list of unclaimed funds. Open the official list. That list is the authoritative source — check it before acting on anything you read elsewhere, including this page.
Confirm you were the owner of record
You have a claim if you owned the property on Date of the tax sale. Heirs of a deceased owner can also claim, usually through probate or a small-estate procedure.
Gather your documents
Typically a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and the deed or another document showing you held title. Heirs will also need a death certificate and probate paperwork.
File before the deadline
File the claim form with the clerk. Confirm the current deadline with that office — missing it transfers the money out of their hands.
DeKalb County's Own Claim Process
DeKalb County publishes its excess funds list as a PDF maintained by the Tax Commissioner's Property Tax Division. Each entry shows the parcel number, the tax sale date, the amount held, the name the funds are recorded under, and the property address.
To pursue a claim, contact the Property Tax Division in writing at the address above and ask for the current excess funds claim packet. Expect to provide government-issued identification and documentation proving your interest in the property as of the tax sale date (deed, assignment, or recorded lien).
DeKalb does not accept claims by phone. Confirm current requirements with the Tax Commissioner's Office at 404-298-4000 before submitting anything.
Other Georgia Distress Records
Statutory summaries are research aids, not legal advice. Verify current law and current balances with the county clerk or a licensed attorney.