There are some steps that you can take to help make it simpler to close your account and distribute its funds when you die. To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account.Most banks will have their own individual procedure for closing a bank account after the title holder of the account passes away. The bank may require a certified death certificate in order to close the account and distribute the funds. To close a bank account after death, you must completely liquidate its funds. The affidavit is often coupled with a copy of the death certificate. The affidavit can then be used to complete the distribution of property. Fill it out for the deceased, but don't forge the name. Follow these steps to close your bank account and make a seamless transition to a new one at a different financial institution. 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.