MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) - There may be a surprise windfall waiting for someone right here in Rutherford County. The Tennessee Department of Treasury is urging residents to check ClaimItTN.gov after businesses and organizations across the state turned over another $248.6 million in unclaimed property since July 1, 2025. That means everything from forgotten utility refunds to old paychecks could be sitting in your name, waiting to be claimed.

Tennesseans may soon see letters from the Department notifying them of potential unclaimed money. Each year, tens of thousands of these notices go out to last‑known addresses when companies can’t locate the rightful owners. The funds come from all kinds of everyday sources — uncashed paychecks, rental deposits, credit balances, gift certificates, abandoned bank accounts, even securities that were never claimed.

The program is designed as a consumer protection effort, and it’s working. During fiscal year 2025, the state returned a record $125 million to Tennesseans and their heirs, nearly double previous years. More than 168,000 claims were processed — also a record — and hundreds of millions of dollars remain available.

State Treasurer David H. Lillard, Jr. encourages residents to check the database regularly. New money is turned over every year, and many people who assume they have nothing waiting are surprised to find otherwise. About 70% of claims are paid within two weeks, and the online process is quick and free.

For Rutherford County, where families are juggling rising costs and rapid growth, even a small unexpected refund can make a meaningful difference. Local residents have successfully claimed everything from forgotten insurance payouts to deposits from apartments they lived in years ago.

Officials also warn residents to be cautious of third‑party services that charge fees to “help” recover unclaimed property. Searching and claiming through the state is always free, and there is no deadline to collect what belongs to you. Requests for upfront payments or promises to “unlock” funds should be treated as red flags.

Anyone wanting to verify a mailed notice or check whether they’re owed money can safely do so at ClaimItTN.gov.