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Hard to claim
Court petition
Restricted by statute

Fort Bend County, TX

Fort Bend County District Clerk

Verified against official sources Oct 27, 2026

Why this difficulty

Requires a court petition or motion, service on parties, and a hearing.

  • Court petition required
  • Service on all parties ≥20 days before hearing
  • Strict 2-year deadline

Deadline

Petition must be filed before the 2nd anniversary of the sale date. Service on parties at least 20 days before the hearing.

Tex. Tax Code § 34.04

What's required

  • Petition filed in the same court that ordered the tax sale (same cause number may be used)
  • Proof you are a former owner who was a judgment defendant, a relative within the third degree, or an heir — or a lienholder
  • Service of the petition on all parties at least 20 days before the hearing
  • Proof of ownership or heirship (deed, probate records)

Fees: Court filing and service fees apply. No interest or costs are paid on the funds. Some rows are overpayment refunds, not sale excess.

Third parties & recovery agents

§ 34.04 limits third parties: assignments only ≥36 days after deposit, must pay ≥80%, sworn written assignment, no in-person/phone solicitation; attorney fee capped at the lesser of 25% or $1,000; non-attorneys may not charge a fee.

Surplus list

Published list (PDF) · as of 2026-10-26

Includes owner/defendant names.

Open official list

Holding office

Fort Bend County District Clerk

Step-by-step walkthrough (6 steps)

Included with paid membership

The full 6-step filing walkthrough for Fort Bend County — forms, documents, submission, court steps and follow-up, each linked to the official source.

Official sources

Informational only, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the holding office before filing.