Lapeer County Unclaimed Money Search

Lapeer County residents can search for unclaimed money through Michigan's free state database and may also be owed surplus funds from tax foreclosure sales if a property sold for more than the taxes and fees owed. The Lapeer County Treasurer manages delinquent tax collection and the county's foreclosure process, with clearly defined payment options and a detailed timeline residents should understand before falling behind on taxes.

Michigan State Unclaimed Property Search

The Michigan Department of Treasury holds dormant financial assets in a free searchable database at unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov. The database includes forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, utility deposits, and other abandoned assets. Search by name. No account needed. The state has returned more than $675 million to residents and the total grows each year.

To reach the state unclaimed property team, call (517) 636-5320 or email TreasUPD@michigan.gov. Staff can help you confirm ownership of a result and explain what documents to gather. The claim process itself is free.

Michigan's free statewide unclaimed property search is available at unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov.

Search by name at no cost. No account required.

Lapeer County Treasurer

Dana M. Miller serves as Lapeer County Treasurer. The office is located at the Lapeer County Complex and handles delinquent real property tax collection, along with deed certifications, equalization data, tax information, GIS maps, and land division applications.

The Lapeer County Treasurer page lists payment methods, delinquent tax information, and the full contact details for the office.

Check the Treasurer's page for any updates to hours, fees, or payment procedures before you send a payment.

The Lapeer County main website connects to all departments and services available to Lapeer County residents.

Use the county site to find department contacts, meeting agendas, and public records requests.

How to Pay Delinquent Taxes

The Lapeer County Treasurer offers five ways to pay delinquent property taxes. Each option has its own rules and fees.

Online: Online payment is for property tax payments only. Call the office first at (810) 667-0239 before paying online. Use the "Continue to PayitLogin" link on the site. E-check payments carry a $3 flat fee. Credit card payments are charged a 3% processing fee. Cards accepted include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.

By Mail: Send checks or money orders made out to "Lapeer County Treasurer" to 255 Clay Street, Suite 303, Lapeer, MI 48446. Include your name, mailing address, parcel number in the memo line, the current date, and a valid signature. Payments received without a parcel ID will be returned.

Drop Box: A drop box is located outside the County Complex and is labeled for the Treasurer. It is checked daily. A receipt will be mailed to you after the payment is processed.

Pay by Phone: Call (810) 667-0239 to pay by credit card or e-check. Have your parcel number ready before calling.

In Person: Visit the office at Suite 303. Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted in person. This is also where you can get deed certifications, tax information, GIS maps, equalization data, and land division applications.

Note: Penalties cannot be waived. Lapeer County Treasurer staff have confirmed that Michigan law requires the fees and interest to be charged, and there is no provision in state law that allows for waiving them. Partial payments are accepted at any time, but fees and interest continue to accrue on the unpaid balance.

Delinquent Tax Timeline and Foreclosure Process

Lapeer County follows Michigan's standard three-year tax foreclosure process. The Treasurer takes over delinquent taxes from local units on March 1 of each year.

At the delinquent stage, a 4% administrative fee is added and interest runs at 1% per month from the original due date. If the taxes are still unpaid by March 1 of the second year, the property enters forfeiture. At forfeiture, interest increases to 1.5% per month. A $175 title search fee and $60 in recording fees are also added to the total owed.

Lapeer County sends more notices than the five required by law. In addition to two first-class mailings, two certified mailings, and one personal service attempt, the county sends an extra three to five notices. Foreclosure notices are also published in a local newspaper. All parties with a recorded interest in the property receive notification.

Auction properties are listed around May 1 each year. A complete list with minimum bids and sale dates is available after June 1. At the first auction, the minimum bid must cover all taxes, interest, and fees owed. At a second auction, the minimum bid may be lower.

Tax Foreclosure Surplus Funds

When a property sells at auction for more than the taxes and fees owed, the surplus belongs to the former owner under MCL 211.78t. This law applies to foreclosures that occurred in 2021 or later. To claim your surplus, file Form 5743 with the Foreclosure Government Unit by July 1. The FGU responds with Form 5744 by January 31. If not resolved, you file a motion in the Lapeer County Circuit Court between February 1 and May 15.

For pre-2021 foreclosures, the Rafaeli v. Oakland County (2020) Michigan Supreme Court ruling may still provide a path to recovery. Whether the ruling applies to your specific situation depends on the facts of your case. Contact a legal aid organization or attorney to find out.

Note: The Tax-Sale.info platform manages the Lapeer County auction. You can browse properties and register to bid at tax-sale.info or call 800-259-7470.

Principal Residence Exemption

Michigan's Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) exempts your home from up to 18 mills of school operating tax. To claim it, file Form 2368 with your local assessor. The deadline is June 1 for the summer tax levy and November 1 for the winter tax levy. If you recently moved or bought a home in Lapeer County, make sure you have filed the PRE to avoid overpaying on school taxes. For questions about the exemption, contact the Michigan Department of Treasury's PRE Unit at PO Box 30440, Lansing, MI 48909 or email them at [email protected].

A separate Poverty Tax Exemption is available for qualifying low-income residents. Contact your local city or township assessor to apply, not the county.

Legal Help for Lapeer County Residents

Legal Services of Eastern Michigan (LSEM) serves Lapeer County residents from an office at 436 S. Saginaw Street, Suite 101, Flint, MI 48502. Call (800) 322-4512 or visit lsem-mi.org for free civil legal help. LSEM handles tax foreclosure matters, surplus fund claims, and other housing-related legal issues for qualifying individuals.

Michigan Legal Help offers plain-language guides at michiganlegalhelp.org. The guide on reclaiming leftover money after a tax foreclosure covers the full Form 5743 and court process step by step.

The State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with a local attorney. Call (800) 968-0738 or visit lrs.michbar.org.

The Michigan Tax Tribunal handles disputes about assessed property values. Contact them at PO Box 30232, Lansing, MI 48909. For questions about the PRE specifically, reach the MI Dept Treasury PRE Unit at PO Box 30440, Lansing, MI 48909.

Cities in Lapeer County

Lapeer County has no cities with populations above 100,000. The city of Lapeer serves as the county seat and the main population center. Residents throughout the county use the same county-level offices for tax and property matters.

Nearby Counties

Lapeer County is located in eastern Michigan and shares borders with several counties. Each has its own treasurer's office handling delinquent taxes and surplus claims independently.