RUCKWOOD RECOVERY LLC.

Our services are built on a foundation of compassion, transparency, and legal integrity. We know our clients come to us during difficult or uncertain times, and we are honored to walk beside them—offering both professional insight and personal care.

*RuckWood Recovery is an officially registered claimant designated representative for unclaimed property in Missouri, Georgia, and California. 

*For private investigations that extend beyond Missouri, we will apply for reciprocity as needed to ensure seamless service across state lines.

Whether we’re locating a missing heir, submitting a property claim, or investigating a deeply personal matter—our mission remains the same:
To uncover the truth, restore what’s been lost, and serve every client with dignity and diligence.

WHAT IS A TAX SALE AUCTION?

In Missouri, any overdue property taxes automatically become a lien on your home. If you don't pay the amount due, the sheriff will likely hold a tax sale and sell the home to a new owner. At the sale, the winning bidder bids on the property and gets a certificate of purchase. 

WHAT ARE SURPLUS FUNDS (AKA: EXCESS PROCEEDS)

"When real estate has been sold for taxes or other debt by the

sheriff or collector of any county within the state of Missouri, and the same sells for a

greater amount than the debt or taxes and all costs in the case". 

The difference between the back taxes and the sale price is the surplus

AFTER MY HOME HAS SOLD, WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

A homeowner has 2 choices...

1. Overturn the sale by paying the back taxes PLUS interests and fees to the county.

2. Wait for the redemption period to pass and collect the overage from the sale.

🧾 How Do I Know If There’s an Overage Amount to Claim?

When a property is sold at a tax foreclosure auction, it is often purchased for more than the delinquent taxes owed. The difference between what was owed and the amount paid by the highest bidder is called a surplus, overage, or excess proceeds—and in many cases, those funds legally belong to the former property owner or their rightful heirs.

After the sale, the county typically mails a notice to the last known address of the former property owner. This notice may include:

The sale price of the property and surplus amount
Information about the redemption period
The amount of taxes owed at the time of sale

However, the notice often fails to clearly state that the former owner—or their heirs—may be legally entitled to claim the surplus funds once the redemption period expires. In fact, many recipients misinterpret the notice as purely informational, not realizing they may be owed thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars.

To make matters worse:

Many of these properties are owned by individuals who are deceased, and the notice is never forwarded to their next of kin.
Counties and municipalities rarely make meaningful efforts to locate or notify heirs or family members.
The surplus is eventually absorbed into public funds if no claim is filed within a certain time period.

📊 As a result, it’s estimated that over 90% of tax sale surplus funds go unclaimed— permanently lost to the rightful beneficiaries.

That’s why RuckWood Recovery exists. We proactively research, locate, and contact eligible claimants, guiding them through the recovery process and ensuring they receive the funds they’re lawfully owed.

WHO ALL HAS THE RIGHT TO CLAIM THE SURPLUS?

According to state statute Revisor Statute of Missouri RSMo 140.230 only the legal homeowner at the time of sale, their legal heirs, or their legal representative has the right to submit a claim for the funds. If there is a lien on the property from any other entity, that lienholder has first priority to the funds over the homeowner. 

Below is a link to the Missouri Statute regarding surplus funds and the complete tax sale manual