To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court.Want to close a bank account? You might need to submit a written request. A bank closure letter may be needed if you want to close a bank account without having to go to your bank's physical location. Closing Deceased Accounts. A bank usually cannot close a deceased account until the person's estate has been settled and closed, typically through probate. Discover how to craft an estate closing letter to beneficiaries, covering key steps, IRS requirements, and effective communication. It is standard practice to freeze a sole owned account once the bank is presented with a death certificate for the owner. A bank account closure letter is a letter you write to your bank or credit union asking them to close your account.