To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. Fill it out for the deceased, but don't forge the name.The completed form DE150 should then be submitted to the probate court in the county in which the deceased resided in at the time of death. Complete and enclose Form M23 and a copy of the death certificate when you file the deceased person's property tax refund return. When the account owner dies, the funds in the account pass to the beneficiary(ies). Although mail forwarding may begin within 3 business days of your submitted request, it's best to allow up to 2 weeks.