Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Detailed Answer
Under Tennessee’s Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (T.C.A. § 66-29-101 et seq.; see Tennessee Unclaimed Property Laws & Rules), you may access records of unclaimed property held by the state or its holders through NCCash.com, a service recognized by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA). Follow these key steps:
- Register Your NCCash.com Account: Visit nccash.com and click “Sign Up.” Provide your full name, current address, date of birth, Social Security number (or EIN for businesses) and a valid email. Create a secure password.
- Confirm Your Email: After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation link. Click this link within 24 hours to activate your account.
- Search for Tennessee Property: Log in and select “Search Unclaimed Property.” Choose “Tennessee” from the state dropdown. Enter the name of the person or business you’re researching. You may refine by city or ZIP code.
- Review Search Results: Results display property type, holder name, last known address and amount. Common categories include uncashed checks, insurance proceeds and security deposits (T.C.A. § 66-29-102).
- Access Property Details: Click any record to view a detailed summary. Download PDFs, if available, showing the original unclaimed property documentation.
- Initiate a Claim: Select “Claim This Property.” NCCash.com will populate a claim form. Gather required documentation: government-issued ID, proof of Social Security number and proof of entitlement (e.g., bank statements or court orders). Under T.C.A. § 66-29-112(d), attach notarized affidavits for amounts over $1,000.
- Submit the Claim Online: Electronically sign the form, upload attachments and submit. You will receive a claim number and an email confirmation.
- Track and Receive Payment: Use “My Claims” on NCCash.com to monitor status. The Tennessee Department of Treasury generally processes requests within 60–90 days (T.C.A. § 66-29-113). Once approved, you will receive payment by check or direct deposit.
Helpful Hints
- Use a consistent name format (e.g., include middle initials) to uncover all records.
- Search previous names, maiden names or business trade names.
- Save and back up PDFs of search results and claim confirmations.
- Allow at least 90 days for complex claims or high-value amounts.
- If you hit a delay, call the Tennessee Unclaimed Property Division at (615) 741-7956 or email treasury.unclaimed.property@tn.gov.