Bay County Unclaimed Money Search
Bay County residents have two separate paths to check for unclaimed money: the Michigan Department of Treasury's statewide unclaimed property database and the county's tax foreclosure surplus fund process under MCL 211.78t. The state currently holds more than $675 million in unclaimed funds for Michigan residents and businesses, with new accounts added every year as companies and banks turn over dormant assets. If your property was ever foreclosed for unpaid taxes, you may also be owed surplus proceeds from that sale. This page covers both systems, what to expect, and who to call.
Bay County Overview
Michigan State Unclaimed Property Search
Start your search at unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov. The Michigan Department of Treasury maintains this database, and the search is completely free. You don't need an account. Just enter your name and see what comes up. Many people find money from old jobs, forgotten bank accounts, or utility deposits they never knew were still out there.
The types of property commonly found in the database include dormant checking and savings accounts, uncashed payroll checks, insurance policy proceeds, stock dividends, safe deposit box contents, and refunds from utilities or government agencies. If a company can't locate you after a period of time (usually one to three years of inactivity), they are required by law to turn those funds over to the state. The state holds them indefinitely until you claim them.
Filing a claim is straightforward for most amounts. You'll need a government-issued ID and documentation connecting you to the property, like an old bank statement, a W-2, or a utility bill from the right address. Larger claims may require notarized forms or additional proof of identity. Once you file, the state typically processes claims within 60 to 90 days, though some move faster.
If you have trouble with the search or need help with a specific claim, contact the Treasury directly. Phone: (517) 636-5320. Email: TreasUPD@michigan.gov. They can tell you what documentation you need and give you a status update on a pending claim.
The portal shown below is where Bay County residents can search the full statewide database. The Michigan Unclaimed Property search page covers all counties and all types of property.
The database is updated regularly as new accounts are reported, so it's worth searching more than once if you don't find anything the first time.
Bay County Treasurer
The Bay County Treasurer's office manages delinquent property taxes and runs the county's tax foreclosure process. The county seat is Bay City, and the Treasurer's office is located in the Bay County Building. For current hours, payment options, and contact details, check the Bay County government website directly or call the main county line.
Bay County is part of the 18th Judicial Circuit. All tax foreclosure proceedings go through the Circuit Court, and surplus funds from those sales are handled under MCL 211.78t. If you've received a notice about delinquent taxes or forfeiture, don't wait. The fees and interest add up quickly, and your options narrow as the process moves forward.
Delinquent taxes become the county treasurer's responsibility on March 1 each year. At that point, a 4% administrative fee is added to the unpaid balance, plus 1% monthly interest. If you owe back taxes, contact the Treasurer as soon as possible. The county may be able to work out a payment plan, and hardship options exist for some property owners.
Tax Foreclosure Surplus Funds in Bay County
Michigan law requires that surplus proceeds from tax foreclosure sales be returned to the former owner or other parties with a legal claim to the property. This right was confirmed and strengthened by the Michigan Supreme Court in the 2020 Rafaeli v. Oakland County decision. Counties can no longer keep excess proceeds after paying off the taxes, fees, and costs owed.
The controlling statute is MCL 211.78t. For properties foreclosed in 2021 and after, here's the process:
File Form 5743 by July 1. This is the Claim for Excess Proceeds form. You file it with the circuit court by July 1 of the year following the foreclosure sale. It tells the court you have a legal interest in any surplus from that sale.
Receive the accounting notice by January 31. The county treasurer is required to send you a written accounting that shows the sale price, the amount applied to taxes and costs, and the remaining surplus (if any).
File CC540 if needed between February 1 and May 15. If you need to pursue your claim further through the court, the CC540 motion must be filed in this window. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to the funds.
Bay County was part of class action litigation under Docket No. 349557, which also included Tuscola, Midland, Gratiot, Saginaw, and Isabella counties. If your property was taken before 2021, you may still have rights under that class action depending on the specifics of your situation. Talk to a lawyer or legal aid organization if you think this applies to you.
Michigan Tax Foreclosure Timeline
The full Michigan tax foreclosure process spans three years from the point taxes first go unpaid. Knowing where you are in the timeline tells you what options you still have.
Year 1: Delinquency begins. Taxes not paid by the due date become delinquent. On March 1 of the following year, the county treasurer takes over collection. A 4% fee is added immediately, and 1% monthly interest starts accruing. The balance grows each month you wait.
Year 2: Forfeiture to the county. On March 1 of year two, the property is forfeited to the county treasurer. You haven't lost it yet. You can still pay and keep the property. But the interest rate jumps to 1.5% per month, applied retroactively. The total owed can grow substantially in a short time.
Year 3: Foreclosure judgment. On April 1 of year three, the circuit court enters a foreclosure judgment. After this point, the former owner generally cannot get the property back by paying the debt. The property may go to the county land bank or be sold at public auction.
If you are anywhere in this process, act quickly. The earlier you contact the Bay County Treasurer, the more options you have. Payment plans may be available. Hardship extensions can delay foreclosure by one year, though fees and interest continue during that time.
Legal Aid Resources for Bay County
Legal Services of Eastern Michigan serves Bay County residents out of its Saginaw office. Address: 301 E. Genesee Avenue, 5th Floor, Saginaw, MI 48607. Toll-free phone: 1-800-322-4512. Phone intake hours: Monday through Wednesday 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM; Thursday 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. They handle a range of civil legal matters including housing and tax issues.
Michigan Legal Help at michiganlegalhelp.org provides free, step-by-step guides on tax foreclosure, surplus fund claims, and unclaimed property. The guides explain which forms to file, what deadlines apply, and what to expect from the court process. It's a good starting point if you aren't sure whether you need a lawyer.
State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service can refer you to an attorney who handles real estate or tax law matters. Call (800) 968-0738 or go to lrs.michbar.org. There's a small fee for the initial consultation referral.
Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF) offers up to $25,000 for eligible homeowners struggling with housing costs, including past-due property taxes. Visit michigan.gov/mihaf to check current program status and eligibility rules. Funding is limited and availability changes, so check sooner rather than later.
Cities in Bay County
No cities in Bay County meet the 100,000-population threshold for a dedicated city page. Bay City is the county seat and the largest city in the county. Residents of Bay City and other Bay County communities should use the state portal at unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov and contact the Bay County Treasurer for tax foreclosure surplus matters.