Facing Tax Foreclosure in Lincoln County, Kansas? Know Your Rights
If you are a homeowner in Lincoln County, Kansas, dealing with delinquent property taxes or facing foreclosure, you are not alone and you have more rights than you may realize. This guide explains how the process works in your county, what protections exist, and steps you can take right now.
How Tax Sales Work in Lincoln County
Kansas uses a judicial tax foreclosure process under KSA 79-2803. The county files a lawsuit in district court, and your property is sold at a court-ordered sale. If it sells for more than the taxes and costs owed, the excess is surplus funds that may belong to you. The County Treasurer in Lincoln Center manages this process.
Surplus Funds and Tyler v. Hennepin County
In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously in Tyler v. Hennepin County that governments cannot keep surplus proceeds from tax sales beyond what is owed, as this violates the Fifth Amendment. Courts have been increasingly protective of property owners' rights to surplus following this ruling.
Key Deadlines
Kansas does not impose a specific statutory deadline for surplus claims, but general statutes of limitation apply and unclaimed funds may transfer to the state. Act promptly.
Kansas uses a judicial process, so recovering surplus may require court filings. Do not let that stop you from pursuing money that is rightfully yours.
Steps to Take Now
- Contact the County Treasurer to ask whether surplus funds exist from your property's sale.
- Request the foreclosure case number from the Clerk of the District Court.
- Gather proof of ownership (deed, tax records), government-issued ID, and any sale correspondence.
- File a motion with the court providing "due proof" of entitlement under KSA 79-2803.
Free Help from AuctionBlock.org
AuctionBlock.org is a mission-driven company that helps homeowners recover surplus funds and understand their rights, completely free. We can search for surplus funds, guide you through the claims process, and connect you with legal resources.
Visit AuctionBlock.org today to find out if you are owed money.
AuctionBlock.org is a mission-driven company. This article is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Verify current statutes and consult a licensed Kansas attorney before acting. Updated April 2026.