What to Do When Someone Dies in Nevada
Reviewed by Everendium Editorial Team · Last reviewed August 18, 2026
Quick answer
Nevada is a community property state with no state income, estate, or inheritance tax, and offers simplified probate options like 'set-aside' for very small estates. Nevada is also nationally known as a favorable state for certain trust structures, which is worth knowing if a deceased person's estate planning involved a Nevada-based trust.
Nevada combines a favorable tax environment with some genuinely distinctive trust laws worth knowing about.
Death certificates
Certified death certificates in Nevada are issued through the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health Office of Vital Records. The funeral home typically handles ordering these on your behalf.
Community property
Nevada is a community property state — property and debt acquired during a marriage are generally treated as jointly owned by both spouses.
Simplified processes for small estates
Nevada offers a set-aside process for very small qualifying estates, along with other simplified administration options for somewhat larger small estates — avoiding full formal probate for many families.
Why Nevada is known for trusts
Nevada has become a nationally recognized jurisdiction for certain trust structures, thanks to favorable laws including strong asset protection features and no state income tax on trust income. This has made Nevada trusts popular even among people who don’t otherwise live in the state. If a deceased person’s estate plan involved a Nevada-based trust, working with a trust attorney specifically familiar with Nevada’s rules matters — see our general guide on trust administration for the broader concepts involved.
No state income, estate, or inheritance tax
Nevada has no state income tax, and correspondingly, no state estate tax or inheritance tax.
Where to get help
- Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health for death certificate questions
- State Bar of Nevada for attorney referrals, including estate, probate, and trust specialists
Nevada law can change. This is general educational information, not legal advice — please consult a Nevada-licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation, especially if a trust is involved.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a death certificate in Nevada?+
The funeral home typically orders certified copies through the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health Office of Vital Records on your behalf.
What does community property mean for a surviving spouse in Nevada?+
Property and debt acquired during a marriage are generally treated as jointly owned by both spouses, affecting how assets pass to a surviving spouse.
Is there a simplified process for small estates in Nevada?+
Yes — Nevada offers a 'set-aside' process for very small qualifying estates and other simplified administration options for somewhat larger small estates, avoiding full formal probate for many families.
Why is Nevada known for trusts specifically?+
Nevada has favorable trust laws (including strong asset protection features and no state income tax on trust income) that have made it a popular jurisdiction for certain trust structures, sometimes used by people who don't otherwise live in Nevada. If a deceased person's estate plan involved a Nevada trust, a trust attorney familiar with Nevada's specific rules can help.
Does Nevada have a state estate or inheritance tax?+
No — Nevada has no state income tax, estate tax, or inheritance tax.
Sources
Related glossary terms
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