To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. A letter indicating that there are sufficient funds in the Estate to pay funeral costs may be required.Keep all contracts and receipts from the funeral home. To close a bank account after death, you must completely liquidate its funds. If estate tax returns are filed, the personal representative should obtain closing letters from the taxing authorities and file copies with the clerk. Notify Bank of America. We'll ask you for the deceased customer's full legal name and Social Security number to identify their accounts. Most banks will have their own individual procedure for closing a bank account after the title holder of the account passes away. A body is typically available for release to a funeral home or cremation service within 24 – 48 hours, unless there are extenuating circumstances. Removal of deceased animals is the responsibility of the city Solid Waste Special Services Division.