You have to give a letter to the bank advising the death along with a copy of the death certificate. To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account.The first and foremost thing you must do to close a bank account upon the death of a loved one is to inform the bank of this death. To close a bank account after death, you must completely liquidate its funds. The letters cite reasons for closure such as relocating, no longer needing the account, job changes, and death of an account holder. The letter shall start with the sender's address, date, bank's address, and with a salutation.