Cash and check refunds are batch-processed monthly and take approximately six to eight weeks to be received. After we initiate a refund, the disbursement information is given to the Harris County Auditor for review and approval, and subsequently, a refund is issued by the Harris County Treasurer. Credit card refunds are processed individually and forwarded for approval and disbursement within 7-10 business days.

If property is sold in a tax foreclosure sale in Harris County and there are proceeds from the sale above the overall tax obligation, this overpayment is referred to as "excess proceeds" and is deposited with the Accounting Section. Upon receipt of excess proceeds greater than $25, a certified letter is sent to the former owner within 31 days.

In order to release excess proceeds, we must have a court order signed by the presiding judge. The order needs to include:

• Payor's name
• Payor's address
• The amount of excess proceeds on deposit to be released

You may obtain an order to release excess proceeds by hiring an attorney or visiting a law library to obtain information on how to prepare an order and petition the court of record. The Harris County Law Library is located at 1019 Congress in downtown Houston.

To request a listing of excess proceeds being held in the registry, please email court.registry@hcdistrictclerk.com (subject to applicable fees).

Outstanding charges must be paid immediately with a money order, cashier's check, or cash if in person. Your payment must include a $30.00 bank service fee.

Please note: An individual or entity's check-writing privileges will be suspended with our office until the returned item and applicable fees are redeemed. If a pattern of returned items emerges, or if we encounter difficulties in collecting on a returned item, check-writing privileges may be removed indefinitely.