What the money is
When a Nevada county treasurer sells a property for unpaid taxes, the sale pays the taxes and costs first. The county then keeps the first $300 of what is left and 10% of the next $10,000. The rest is held in a separate account as "excess proceeds" for the people entitled to it.
Source: Nevada Revised Statutes § 361.610(3)–(4).
The deadline: 1 year
A claim must be made in writing within 1 year after the treasurer's deed is recorded. After that, the money goes to the county and can never be refunded to the former owner or their successors.
Source: NRS 361.610(4)–(5).
Who is paid
- Lienholders whose liens were recorded before the sale are paid first, in order of priority.
- Then the former owner and others the law lists. If the owner has died, their successors may claim.
- The treasurer approves or denies claims within 30 days after the 1-year period ends, and may ask for any records needed. If several people claim and the treasurer cannot decide, the matter goes to mediation, then to court.
- If you disagree with the treasurer's decision, you have 90 days after notice of it to go to court.
Source: NRS 361.610(6)–(9).
How to check and claim
- Check the county treasurer's excess proceeds list. Clark County and Washoe County both publish one, and our free lookup searches them.
- Write to the county treasurer claiming the excess proceeds for the parcel, before the 1-year deadline. Ask the treasurer for any claim form it uses.
- Include ID and proof of ownership. If the owner has died, include proof that you are an heir or the estate's representative.
If you use a helper
Nevada law protects owners here. Any agreement to locate or recover excess proceeds must be in writing and signed by you, and the fee may not be more than 10% of the excess proceeds due to you.
Source: NRS 361.610(11)–(12).
Last checked 2026-10-23 against the text of NRS 361.610 on leg.state.nv.us.