Tennessee Unclaimed Tax Refunds: $22.5M Still Waiting. Claim Before It’s Gone

by Mary Singleton

1min Read Apr 15, 2026

Thousands of residents in Tennessee may still have money waiting from unclaimed 2022 tax refunds. But time is running out.

According to the Internal Revenue Service, about 27,000 people in Tennessee are owed a share of $22.5 million, with a median refund of around $644.

 

Why this money is unclaimed

The issue is simple. Many people never filed their 2022 tax return.

  • No return filed means no refund issued
  • The IRS does not send it automatically
  • After the deadline, the money is forfeited to the U.S. Treasury
 

Final deadline to claim

You have until April 15, 2026 to file your 2022 tax return and claim your refund.

After that, the money is no longer available.

Worth reading: The State By State Guide to Unclaimed Assets
 

 

Who can still get paid

You may qualify if:

  • You did not file your 2022 taxes
  • You were owed a refund that year

However, your refund could be delayed or reduced if:

  • You owe taxes for other years
  • You have unpaid student loans or child support
  • You have not filed more recent tax returns
 

What you need to file

Even if it has been a few years, you can still gather your documents.

Common forms include:

If you are missing paperwork, you can:

  • Request copies from employers or banks
  • Use the IRS “Get Transcript” tool online
  • File Form 4506-T to request records (takes longer)
 

Why you should act now

Processing older returns can take time, and waiting too long may cause delays before the deadline.

Filing early gives you a better chance of receiving your refund without issues.

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