Search Benzie County Unclaimed Money
Benzie County residents can search for unclaimed money through Michigan's statewide property database and through the county's tax foreclosure surplus process. The Michigan Department of Treasury holds more than $675 million in unclaimed funds right now, and a portion of that belongs to Benzie County residents who simply haven't claimed it yet. If a property tax foreclosure ever affected land you owned in Benzie County, you may also be owed surplus proceeds under MCL 211.78t. Both programs are covered here, along with current contact details for the Benzie County Treasurer and local legal aid options.
Benzie County Overview
Michigan State Unclaimed Property Search
The Michigan Department of Treasury runs the state's unclaimed property program. You can search the full database at unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov at no cost. No account is needed. Just type your name and see what the state is holding for you.
What ends up in the database? Old bank accounts that went dormant, uncashed checks from former employers, insurance policy payouts that never reached the policyholder, stock dividends, utility deposits, and refunds from government programs. Companies are legally required to turn these funds over to the state after a set period of inactivity, usually one to three years. The state then holds the money indefinitely until the rightful owner or heir comes forward.
To claim funds, you'll need to show who you are and prove your connection to the property. A government-issued ID is required. Depending on the type of property, you may also need a bank statement, an old utility bill, a W-2, or other documentation. Claims for larger dollar amounts typically require notarized affidavits. Once your claim is filed and verified, processing generally takes 60 to 90 days.
For questions about a specific claim or to check its status, call the Michigan Treasury at (517) 636-5320 or email TreasUPD@michigan.gov.
The Michigan Unclaimed Property portal is the central hub for all statewide searches, including Benzie County residents.
Search early and search often. The database grows as new accounts are reported each year.
Benzie County Treasurer
The Benzie County Treasurer's office handles delinquent property taxes and administers the tax foreclosure process for the county. The office is located at 448 Court Place, Beulah, MI 49617. Phone: (231) 882-0011. Email: treasurer@benzieco.net.
Summer property taxes in Benzie County are due July 1 through September 14. Winter taxes run December 1 through February 14. If you miss either deadline, late fees begin to accrue. Once taxes go unpaid into the following calendar year, they become delinquent and are transferred to the county treasurer on March 1.
After March 1, you must contact the Benzie County Treasurer directly at 448 Court Place, Beulah MI 49617 to get an accurate payoff figure. Do not estimate what you owe. Fees and interest are calculated precisely, and a small error in your payment can leave the balance open and the foreclosure process continuing.
If you are unsure of the current amount owed on a delinquent tax account, call (231) 882-0011 before you send any payment. The Treasurer's staff can give you an exact payoff amount and confirm that your payment was received.
The Benzie County main website is shown below. It provides access to county services including tax information and treasurer contact details.
Visit the Benzie County site directly for the most current office hours and any updated payment procedures.
Tax Foreclosure Surplus Funds in Benzie County
When Benzie County forecloses on a property and sells it at auction, the sale price sometimes exceeds what was owed in taxes, fees, and costs. That surplus belongs to the former owner or other parties with a legal interest, such as a mortgage holder. Michigan law under MCL 211.78t requires that these funds be returned. Counties cannot keep them.
This principle was reinforced by the Michigan Supreme Court's 2020 ruling in Rafaeli v. Oakland County. Before that case, counties routinely kept all proceeds from tax foreclosure sales. The court said that was unconstitutional. Former owners now have a clear legal right to claim any surplus.
Benzie County is part of class action litigation under Docket No. 349633, which also covers Newaygo, Manistee, Wexford, Missaukee, Mason, Lake, Osceola, and Oceana counties. If your property was foreclosed before 2021, you may have claims under that class action. Talk to a lawyer to assess your specific situation.
For 2021 and later foreclosures, the standard MCL 211.78t process applies:
Form 5743 by July 1. File the Claim for Excess Proceeds with the circuit court by July 1 of the year after your property was sold at foreclosure auction. This form is your legal notice to the court that you have a claim on any surplus.
Accounting notice by January 31. The county treasurer must provide a written accounting showing the sale price, what was deducted for taxes and fees, and the net surplus amount.
CC540 motion between February 1 and May 15. If you need to contest the accounting or pursue your claim in court, file a CC540 motion in this window. Missing this window can cost you the funds entirely.
Michigan Tax Foreclosure Timeline
Michigan's property tax foreclosure process takes three full years from delinquency to foreclosure judgment. Here's how each year works.
Year 1 - Delinquency. Taxes go unpaid past their due date. On March 1 of the next year, the county treasurer takes over from the local township or city. A 4% administrative fee is added to the unpaid amount, and 1% monthly interest starts running. The balance grows each month.
Year 2 - Forfeiture. On March 1 of year two, the property is forfeited to the county treasurer. The owner still has time to pay and keep the property. But the interest rate increases to 1.5% per month, applied retroactively to the original delinquency date. That means the amount owed can jump substantially when forfeiture is entered.
Year 3 - Foreclosure. On April 1 of year three, the circuit court enters a foreclosure judgment. At this point, the former owner typically loses the right to reclaim the property by paying. The property is transferred to the county land bank or sold at public auction through tax-sale.info.
If you're in the delinquency or forfeiture stage, contact the Benzie County Treasurer at (231) 882-0011 now. Payment plans and hardship options may be available, but only before foreclosure is finalized.
Legal Aid Resources for Benzie County
Michigan Legal Help at michiganlegalhelp.org offers free online guides covering tax foreclosure, how to file surplus fund claims, and unclaimed property searches. The guides are written for non-lawyers and walk you through each form step by step. This is a good first stop if you aren't sure what your rights are.
State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with a local attorney who handles real estate or tax matters. Call (800) 968-0738 or visit lrs.michbar.org. There is a modest fee for the initial referral consultation.
Northwest Michigan Legal Aid may serve Benzie County residents depending on income eligibility. Check michiganlegalhelp.org for a list of legal aid offices near Beulah and northwest Michigan.
Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF) provides up to $25,000 for eligible homeowners who are behind on property taxes or mortgage payments. Visit michigan.gov/mihaf for current eligibility requirements and application instructions. Funds are limited, so apply as early as possible if you think you may qualify.
Cities in Benzie County
No cities in Benzie County meet the 100,000-population threshold for a dedicated city page. Beulah is the county seat. Residents of Benzonia, Frankfort, Honor, and other Benzie County communities should search the state portal at unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov and contact the Treasurer at (231) 882-0011 for any questions about tax foreclosure surplus funds.