Facing Tax Foreclosure in Shoshone County, Idaho? Know Your Rights and Options
Losing your home to a tax sale in Shoshone County, Idaho, can feel like the end of the road. But it does not have to be.
How Tax Sales Work in Shoshone County
In Idaho, when property owners fall behind on taxes, the county can acquire the property through a tax deed process and then sell it. Proceeds first cover delinquent taxes, then go to parties of interest and former owners. In Shoshone County, the County Treasurer handles tax matters and the County Treasurer (county seat: Wallace) oversees surplus funds. This county uses a tax deed sale.
Surplus Funds: Money That May Belong to You
Under Idaho Code Section 31-808, when your property sells for more than what was owed, the excess goes first to lienholders, then to the former owner of record at the time the tax deed was issued.
The 2023 Supreme Court ruling in Tyler v. Hennepin County confirmed that governments cannot keep surplus beyond what is owed. If your property sold for more than your debt, that extra money may be yours.
Key Deadlines
Idaho has tight deadlines. The county must notify you within 30 days of the sale, and you have just 60 days from that notice to file a claim. After that, funds transfer to the state treasurer, where you have up to 10 years to claim under Idaho Code 14-523(2)(a). Act during the county-level window for the simplest path to recovery.
Steps You Can Take Right Now
- Contact the County Treasurer in Shoshone County at the county seat in Wallace. Ask whether surplus funds exist from the sale of your property and whether you have been sent a notification.
- Check your mail carefully. The county is required to notify you within 30 days of the sale. Do not discard anything from the county government.
- File your claim within 60 days of receiving notice. This deadline is firm. Gather your ID, proof of former ownership, and any correspondence about the sale.
- If funds have transferred to the state treasurer, you still have up to 10 years to claim them, but the process is more complex. Start with the county first.
Get Free Help from AuctionBlock.org
AuctionBlock.org is a mission-driven company that helps former property owners recover surplus funds for a flat $4,999 fee upon successful recovery. We can help you search for funds, navigate the claim process, prepare documentation, and connect with legal resources.
If you are in Shoshone County and facing tax trouble -- or you have already lost your property -- act today. Visit AuctionBlock.org to get started.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Tax laws change frequently -- verify current statutes and consult a licensed Idaho attorney before acting. AuctionBlock.org is a mission-driven company. Last updated: April 2026.