Last amended April 12, 1999 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceThe sheriff makes a return when the execution is completed or abandoned or no sale is held, and on the expiration of the service or levy period, files it with the prothonotary of the issuing county, and includes any required schedule of distribution.
(1)upon the completion or abandonment of the execution proceedings or if no sale is effected for want of buyers; or
(2)upon the expiration of the period allowed for service or levy, if service upon a garnishee or levy has not been made and the writ has not been reissued.
(b)The sheriff shall make an immediate return of service upon serving a gar- nishee, but may retain the writ for further proceedings.
(c)The return of the sheriff shall be made to the prothonotary of the county in which the writ issued and shall include any schedule of distribution required under these rules.
(d)If real property is sold by the sheriff under a writ of execution from another county, a copy of the sheriff’s return shall also be filed by the sheriff with the prothonotary of the county in which the real property is located.
Plain-English Summary
The sheriff’s return is the official record of what the execution accomplished. This rule says when it is due and where it goes.
The sheriff returns the writ on completion or abandonment of the proceedings, or if no sale happens for want of buyers, and also when the time for service or levy expires without service on a garnishee or a levy and the writ has not been reissued. On serving a garnishee the sheriff makes an immediate return of service but may keep the writ for further steps.
The return goes to the prothonotary of the county where the writ issued and includes any schedule of distribution the rules require. If real property in another county was sold under the writ, a copy of the return is also filed with the prothonotary of that county.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the sheriff make a return?
On completion or abandonment of the execution, when no sale is held for want of buyers, or when the service or levy period expires without service or levy and the writ has not been reissued.
Where is the return filed?
With the prothonotary of the county where the writ issued, plus a copy in the county of any real property sold under a writ from another county.
Official Note
Official Note: If service or levy has been made within the 90 day period allowed by Rule 3106(d), the writ remains valid for all subsequent proceedings thereafter without further reissu- ance.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 3139 amended April 12, 1999, effective July 1, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2281. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (213421).
Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment
history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation
of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as:sheriff's returnreturn of writreturn of service garnishee