Department of Finance

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make an appointment?
The Division of Unclaimed Property for the Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County does not receive visitors, thus appointments are not taken. You may file a claim by following the instructions on the claim form or by calling 615-862-6100, then press 5 for Unclaimed Property or emailing us at unclaimed.property@nashville.gov.
How long does it take to process the claim?
The time required to process a claim varies. If the claim form is filled out correctly, notarized, and sufficient proof is supplied, the process usually takes three to four weeks. During peak periods it may be six weeks.
Does the rightful owner or heir need to come to your office for the refund?
No one is required to visit the office in person. Claims may be submitted through U. S. mail. The check will be sent to the rightful owner after the claim has been approved for payment. We do not accept documentation of claims by email or fax. Checks are prepared and mailed from a separate location.
What proof of identification is required by your division to release funds?
Proof required will vary. The proof required by this office depends on the information we have on file regarding that particular account. For each claim please make clear copies of the following and mail these with your claim form. Please provide:
  1. Picture identification such as a copy of your driver's license (front & back);
  2. Proof of your social security number; and,
  3. Proof of your current address.
Additional documents may be required for complicated claims. We often need proof of a former address or addresses and proof that you did business with the Metropolitan Government. Because of the similarity of names we will require sufficient proof that your name matches and that you previously did business with the Metropolitan Government.

NOTE: We cannot use the proof supplied unless we have the information on file to match against it.
How can I find out how much money the Metropolitan Government has for me?
This page will be updated with an unclaimed property listing, the claim forms, and the instructions in early January 2010.
What if I do not file my Unclaimed Property Claim form by the stated deadline?
If you do not file your Unclaimed Property Claim form by the stated deadline, your claim form will not be honored. Any property still in possession of the Metropolitan Government for which we have not received a valid and verified claim form will be sent to the State of Tennessee. After that time, you may claim the property from the State of Tennessee.
If I am claiming property on behalf of an estate, what documentation must I provide?
Estates and heirs may claim property when the original owner is deceased. The claimant must prove the deceased was the rightful owner and that the claimant is entitled to claim as the executor of the estate or the rightful heir. Be prepared to provide copies of personal identification, wills, letters testamentary, probate documents, estate tax ID number, as well as a death certificate for the deceased owner. Complicated claims require additional documentation.
The deceased owner often provided for the disposition of property by leaving a will. With a will, the executor or administrator will make claim on the property. The executor distributes the property according to will. The executor or administrator must supply a certified copy of the probated will or Letters Testamentary to document that they are authorized to act on behalf of the estate.
The death certificate should be an official certified copy issued by the state's Office of Vital Statistics. Letters testamentary or letters of administration must be recent and certified by the court.

I am confused about what to do with the claim form from the Unclaimed Property Division.  What should I do?  How do I know this is really legitimate?
If the claim form has your name, please provide the proof requested to us by mail.  If you are still uncomfortable with this after you have read the letter and FAQ’s , please contact the Unclaimed Property Division at unclaimed.property@nashville.gov or 615-862-6100, then press 5 for Unclaimed Property. 

 
Why does Tennessee have an Unclaimed Property law?
Consumer protection is established by the Uniform Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act. It protects the owner’s rights to the property by restricting private escheat by the holder. The act protects the owners and collects on their behalf. Then owners are located through advertising on the Internet and newspapers as well as by letter and various outreach programs. The holders are provided relief from liability when they remit the property to the State. The act provides for a central point of contact for potential owners of unclaimed property.
Does Metro accept a specific Power of Attorney to work in the rightful owner’s behalf?
No. The claimant and co claimants must sign each claim.
Do you make remittance in one check or two?
The Metropolitan Government writes one check payable to the claimant.
Can you send me a sample of a specific Power of Attorney and a sample of the contract?
No, these documents should be drawn up in consultation with your legal advisor. We offer no legal advice.

At what point does custody of unclaimed funds transfer from Metro to the State?
After the deadline for submitting your claim to the Division of Unclaimed Property, the Unclaimed Property Division begins the process of remitting the funds to the state of Tennessee. This requires us to “freeze” our unclaimed property records at that time. When our records are “frozen”, we cannot honor any late claims received. By state law, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County Division of Unclaimed Property must remit all unclaimed property to the state no later than May 1 of each calendar year. The State of Tennessee will then normally have the property ready for claim within 6 weeks of the time the Division of Unclaimed Property has submitted the property to the State. You may view the state’s Unclaimed Property Division under the Links section of this website. Tennessee is a custodial state. The owner or heirs may claim property at any time. The funds always belong to the owner and will not become the property of the State.

Contact Unclaimed Property

Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County
Division of Unclaimed Property
P.O. Box 196300
Nashville, TN 37219-6300

Telephone: 615-862-6100, then press 5 for Unclaimed Property
Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central Monday-Friday, closed Holidays