Unclaimed funds are monies deposited with the court by a case trustee pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §347. Unclaimed funds may arise out of a variety of circumstances but are often due to faulty address information which prevented delivery of the funds to the party entitled to them.

Searching Unclaimed Funds

To search unclaimed funds, use the Unclaimed Funds Locator. Select TNWB Tennessee Western Bankruptcy from the dropdown list and enter the applicable search criteria. If you need additional information, you may contact the clerk's office at (901)328-3500.

• NOTE: If you click on the link above, you will be leaving the web page of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Tennessee. The link contains information created and maintained by other public and/or private organizations. The link is provided for the user's convenience. The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Tennessee does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information; nor does it control or guarantee the on-going availability, maintenance, or security of the Internet site. Further, the inclusion of a link is not intended to reflect its importance or to endorse any views expressed, or products or services offered, on this outside site, or the organization sponsoring the site.

Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 2041, any claimant entitled to any unclaimed funds held by the court, on petition to the court and upon notice to the United States Attorney and full proof of right thereto, may obtain an order directing payment to the claimant. A petition requesting unclaimed funds may be filed by the owner of record, a successor-in-interest, or a representative claimant.

Before filing a petition for unclaimed funds, please refer to the appropriate instructions and forms below:

Instructions for Filing Application for Payment of Unclaimed Funds

Unclaimed funds are held by the court for an individual or entity who is entitled to the money but who has failed to claim ownership of it. The United States Courts, as custodians of such funds, have established policies and procedures for holding, safeguarding, and accounting for the funds.

Filing Requirements for Payment of Unclaimed Funds

• a.   Application for Payment of Unclaimed Funds
  For purposes of this procedure, the "Applicant" is the party filing the application, and the "Claimant" is the party entitled to the unclaimed funds. The Applicant and Claimant may be the same.
  
  Any party who seeks the payment of unclaimed funds must file an Application for Payment of Unclaimed Funds in substantial conformance with the court's standard application form, Application for Payment of Unclaimed Funds (TNWB LBF 1340 (05/2024)). The form may be filled out online, however, the Applicant(s) must print the form and provide supporting documents, identified below.
  
  The Unclaimed Funds Claimant Guide provides step-by-step instructions for filing an application to claim unclaimed funds with the Court. It includes required forms, supporting documentation, common deficiencies to avoid, and answers to frequently asked questions.
• b.   Application and Supporting Documentation
• Application for Payment of Unclaimed Funds (TNWB LBF 1340 (05/2024))
• Video Instructions for filing Application For Payment of Unclaimed Funds.
• AO Form 213 P (Vendor Information /TIN Certification)
• Video Instructions for filing AO Form 213 P.
• AO 213(Vendor Information/TIN Certification
• W-9 (Accessible by searching on the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov)
• W-8 (Accessible by searching on the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov)
• AO215 (Foreign Claimant)
• Additional Supporting Documentation Instructions


• c.   Filing Instructions
  
  Self-Represented: The application and supporting documentation must be mailed to the court at the following address:
  

  U.S. Bankruptcy Court
  ATTN: Finance Department
  200 Jefferson Ave. Suite 500
  Memphis, Tennessee 38103
  
  

  A copy of the application must also be mailed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office at the following address:

  Office of the United States Attorney
  Western District of Tennessee
  167 North Main Street Suite 800
  Memphis, Tennessee 38103
  
  

• d.   What Happens Next?
  
  The clerk's office will perform a quality review of the application and supporting documentation. If it is determined that the application is deficient, we will contact the Applicant for additional proof of identity or entitlement to the funds.
  
  If no objections are filed with the court within twenty-one (21) days after the filing of the application, the application and supporting documentation will be considered by the court without hearing.
  
  If an objection is filed with the court within twenty-one (21) days after service upon the Applicant and other appropriate parties, the court will set the matter for hearing.