Find Unclaimed Money in Huron County

Huron County residents searching for unclaimed money have two main paths: the Michigan Department of Treasury's free statewide database and direct contact with the Huron County Treasurer's office in Bad Axe for tax foreclosure surplus claims. Treasurer Debra McCollum oversees county tax collection, and her office is the right first call for anyone who believes they are owed proceeds from a past property foreclosure in the county.

State Unclaimed Property Search

Michigan's free search database is at unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov. The Michigan Department of Treasury maintains this portal and updates it regularly with dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, utility deposits, and other abandoned financial assets from across the state. Any Huron County resident can search by name at no cost. You can also search for a deceased family member. Michigan has returned over $675 million in the last several years.

Call (517) 636-5320 or email TreasUPD@michigan.gov to reach Treasury staff directly. They can confirm whether a result belongs to you, guide you through filing a claim, and answer questions about documentation needed. The process is usually straightforward once you know what to submit.

The screenshot below shows Michigan's unclaimed property portal. It is the right place to start before contacting any local office.

Search your full name, any former names, and the names of family members who may have left assets behind.

Huron County Treasurer

Treasurer Debra McCollum runs the Huron County Treasurer's office in Bad Axe. Her office handles property tax collection across the county, manages delinquent tax rolls, and acts as the Foreclosing Governmental Unit (FGU) when properties reach the point of tax foreclosure. If a property in Huron County was sold at a tax auction that raised more than the amount owed, the county holds any surplus pending a valid claim.

Treasurer contact information:

• Treasurer: Debra McCollum
• Address: 250 East Huron Avenue, Room 204, Bad Axe, MI 48413
• Phone: 989-269-9238
• Website: co.huron.mi.us

If you believe a past tax foreclosure in Huron County generated surplus funds that you are owed, start by calling the Treasurer's office. They can confirm whether a surplus exists and explain how to file a formal claim under MCL 211.78t.

The county's main website is shown below. It links to the Treasurer's page and other county departments.

Room 204 in the county building is where the Treasurer's staff work. Walk-in visits are welcome during normal county office hours.

Tax Foreclosure Surplus Claims

Starting with tax foreclosures from 2021 and later, Michigan law requires the county to pay any surplus proceeds to the former owner or other qualifying parties. This change came after the Michigan Supreme Court's 2020 ruling in Rafaeli v. Oakland County, which held that former owners have a right to the excess above what was owed.

To make a claim for surplus funds in Huron County, you file Form 5743 with the county treasurer by July 1 of the year following the foreclosure. The FGU then has until January 31 to respond using Form 5744. If there is still a dispute after that exchange, you can file a motion with the Huron County Circuit Court between February 1 and May 15 of the same year. The circuit court has jurisdiction to settle competing claims and order payment.

Huron County follows the standard Michigan procedure under MCL 211.78t. No special local process applies. You need to know the parcel number, the year of the foreclosure, and any documentation that shows your interest in the property, such as a deed, a mortgage, or probate records showing you as an heir.

Note: The surplus claim process applies only to foreclosures from 2021 onward. Older foreclosures may be handled differently, and you should consult an attorney or LSEM if you are unsure.

Legal Services of Eastern Michigan

Legal Services of Eastern Michigan (LSEM) serves Huron County residents who need free or low-cost legal help. Their Flint office handles calls from this area. LSEM can help with tax foreclosure surplus claims, advise on the Form 5743 process, and connect residents with attorneys who handle property law matters.

LSEM Flint office contact:

• Address: 436 S. Saginaw Street, Suite 101, Flint, MI 48502
• Phone: (800) 322-4512 (toll-free)
• Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Website: lsem-mi.org

Income limits apply for LSEM services, but a brief intake call can confirm whether you qualify. Even if you do not qualify for free representation, they can often point you toward the right resources and forms.

The screenshot below shows the LSEM website, which includes information on the services they provide to eastern Michigan counties.

Note: Call ahead before visiting any LSEM office, as walk-in availability varies by location and time of year.

Michigan Legal Help Resources

Michigan Legal Help at michiganlegalhelp.org provides a plain-language guide on how to ask for surplus money after a tax foreclosure. It walks through each step of the Form 5743 process and explains what to expect at each stage. You do not need a lawyer to read it or to start a claim, though having one helps if the matter reaches the circuit court.

Michigan Legal Help also has guided interviews that can help you fill out forms correctly. This is a free tool available to all Michigan residents, including those in Huron County.

Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund

If you are behind on property taxes and want to avoid foreclosure, check the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund at michigan.gov/mihaf. Eligible homeowners can get up to $25,000 to cover delinquent taxes, mortgage arrears, and other housing costs. This is a grant, not a loan. Huron County homeowners can apply like any other Michigan resident. Acting before March 1 each year is important, because that is when unpaid taxes move further along the collection process.

Attorney Referrals

The State Bar of Michigan's Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with a licensed attorney in your area. Call (800) 968-0738 or visit lrs.michbar.org. An initial consultation is typically low-cost. Property and probate attorneys handle most surplus fund claims. If your claim involves a large sum or competing claimants, paying for legal help usually makes sense.

Cities in Huron County

Huron County includes Bad Axe (the county seat) and several smaller communities along the Lake Huron shoreline. None currently exceed the population threshold for a dedicated page on this site. Residents throughout the county can search the state database directly and contact the Bad Axe-based Treasurer's office for surplus fund inquiries.

Nearby Counties

Huron County sits on the tip of Michigan's Thumb. These neighboring counties also process unclaimed money and surplus fund claims under the same state procedures.