To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. Sample letter to close bank account of deceased.Fill it out for the deceased, but don't forge the name. The bank may require a certified death certificate in order to close the account and distribute the funds. The short answer is that unless you tell companies that someone has died, their accounts will continue to run. Name of Deceased had permanent legal residence at. You co-signed a credit card account with the deceased person. Complete the required indemnity and release information to release the funds to the Estate; and; Close the accounts held solely in the deceased person's name. Next, a lawyer probably would ask why you wanted to close the account. So you need to provide proof of death in the form of a death certificate.