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Other questions you might have
These are examples of typical questions, but the answers will vary depending on the type of account and
the customer’s state of residence. We encourage you to contact our Estate Unit (888.689.4466) to obtain the
information specific to your needs.
How are accounts transferred after an account
owner passes away?
The action taken will vary based on the way the account
is owned. The table on page three provides more detailed
information about ownership types.
How long will it take for funds to be released?
As the specifics of each account are different, the time it
may take to settle an account will also vary. In general,
we begin to process a request as soon as we receive the
necessary documents.
Are there other bank-related considerations
I should be aware of?
Yes, some possibilities to consider include:
• Direct deposits
• Debits through Automated Clearing House (ACH)
• Credit card payments and rewards
• Loan payments (mortgage, auto, boat, student, etc.)
• Investment accounts
• Retirement accounts
• Insurance products
• Safe deposit box accounts
Questions you may have about needed documents
Why is the death certificate needed?
The death certificate gives us the information needed to verify
the identity and legal residence of our customer.
Can I send a photocopy of the death certificate?
You can send a legible photocopy; however, depending on the
circumstances, we may require a certified copy.
Where do I get the death certificate?
A certified copy of the death certificate is generally available
from the funeral director who handled the deceased’s funeral
arrangements, as well as from the Registry of Birth, Deaths
and Marriages in the applicable state/county/parish/territory.
You may need multiple certified copies of the death certificate
when dealing with various institutions in settling the deceased’s
affairs. The complexity of the estate and the number of
institutions that the deceased conducted business with
will help you determine the number of copies you may need.
How can I deliver the death certificate to Bank of America?
You can take the document to any Bank of America financial
center, fax it to 866.694.9046 or mail it using the enclosed
envelope. If you misplace the envelope we provided, mail the
documents to:
Bank of America – Estate Unit
P.O. Box 31655
Tampa, FL 33631-1655
Will Bank of America ask for anything else?
Other documents may be required under specific circumstances.
The laws of the state of residence of the deceased provide the
state-specific rules for requesting and transferring the deceased
customer’s funds, which may impose additional requirements.
We will work with you on what may be required for handling our
customer’s specific banking relationship.
FOR FORMAL PROBATE: Court-issued Letters Testamentary or
Letters of Administration appointing an executor or administrator.
FOR SMALL ESTATES: A properly executed Small Estate affidavit
or court order, in accordance with state laws.