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Unclaimed Monies

Unclaimed Monies

You May Be Entitled To Unclaimed Monies! 

Pursuant to the subsection 205 (f) of the Real Estate Tax Sale Law of July 7, 1947, P.L. 1368, as amended, 72 P.S. 5860.101, et seq., the following is a list of properties which have been sold by the Tax Claim Bureau for which no claim for payment of any balance due to the owner of the property has been presented by or on behalf of the owner. 

Application

Please return your application and all required copies and documents to:

Berks County Tax Claim Bureau

Attn: Excess Funds Claim

Services Center, 2nd Floor

633 Court Street

Reading, PA 19601

Instructions to Submit a Claim for Unclaimed Funds

Instructions for Claiming Unclaimed Funds from the Berks County Tax Claim Bureau

  1. Complete and notarize the Application:
     Fill out the Berks County Tax Claim Bureau Application for Unclaimed Funds and have the form notarized.
  2. Submit valid photo identification:
     Provide a color photocopy of your valid driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID.
  3. Provide proof of association with the property sold at Tax Sale:
    You must submit supporting documentation that clearly links you to the property. Acceptable examples include:
    • Original utility bill with USPS postmark
    • Mortgage payment coupon
    • Postmarked envelope with your name and property address
    • Driver’s license
    • Canceled check
    • Pay stub showing the property address
      • Note: Duplicate copies or publicly accessible documents (e.g., deeds, tax records, utility bill copies) will not be accepted as proof of ownership.  
  4. If claiming under a Power of Attorney (POA):
    • The Bureau will honor personal POAs if we receive a certified copy, signed by the property owner.
    • The POA may sign the claim form on behalf of the owner, but must complete the form with the owner’s information, not their own.
    • All POAs must comply with 20 Pa. C.S.A. § 5601, including:
      • A signed notice from the principal
      • A signed acknowledgement from the agent
  5. Third-party claims (Finders):
    Under Pennsylvania law, no person may assist in recovering unclaimed property for compensation unless registered with the PA Department of Treasury.
    • A valid Certificate of Registration must be submitted with the claim.
    • Include a copy of the agreement with the taxpayer, showing that no more than the state-allowed commission is being collected.
    • Claims from unregistered finders will not be honored.
  6. If the property owner is deceased:
    • The personal representative must submit:
      • A certified Death Certificate
      • A Short Certificate issued within the past two (2) years
    • Make sure the claim form lists the claimant properly as the Estate and heir.
  7. If the property was owned by a business entity:
    • You must provide proof that you are an authorized representative of the business and have the authority to claim the funds on its behalf.
  8. Claim amounts exceeding $5,000:
    • If you are entitled to more than $5,000, you (the taxpayer or heir) must appear in person to receive the check.
    • Funds will not be released to third parties, regardless of circumstances.
    • NO EXCEPTIONS.