Facing Tax Foreclosure in St. Louis County, Missouri?
If you are a homeowner in St. Louis County dealing with delinquent property taxes -- or you have already lost your property at a tax sale -- you may be owed money. Here is what you need to know.
How Tax Sales Work in St. Louis County
The County Collector in Clayton manages tax sales for St. Louis County through a tax lien sale. The county collector publishes delinquent properties and auctions them to the highest bidder. After the sale, former owners have a one-year redemption period. If not redeemed, a collector's deed goes to the buyer.
When your property sells for more than what you owed, the extra money is "surplus funds." Under Section 140.230 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, those funds may belong to you.
Tyler v. Hennepin County: Your Constitutional Right
In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously that governments cannot keep surplus from tax sales beyond what is owed, calling it a violation of the Fifth Amendment. If St. Louis County collected more than you owed, you have a right to the difference.
Critical Deadlines
Surplus is held in trust for three years from deposit in the county treasury. After three years, unclaimed funds permanently become part of the county school fund and cannot be recovered. A 10% cap applies to any finder's fees. After three years, surplus permanently escheats to the county school fund. Do not wait.
Steps to Take Now
- Contact the County Collector in Clayton. Ask if surplus funds are held from your property's sale.
- Gather documents. You need proof of identity, proof of ownership at the time of sale, and any sale correspondence.
- File your claim promptly. Follow the county's process and keep copies of everything.
- Consult an attorney if deadlines are close or your situation is complicated.
AuctionBlock.org is a mission-driven company that helps homeowners recover surplus funds for a flat $4,999 fee upon successful recovery. We are not investors. We exist to help you get what is yours. Visit AuctionBlock.org for free help.
Educational information from AuctionBlock.org, a mission-driven company. Not legal advice. Laws are evolving post-Tyler v. Hennepin County (2023). Consult a licensed Missouri attorney. Updated April 2026.