To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. There are generally two basic types of letters, based on whether the estate is testate (with a will) or intestate (without a will).Don't close any bank accounts or roll over any IRAs, 401(k)s, or other retirement plans. The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court. Do you need to obtain a letter of testamentary in NC? Our estate planning attorney guides you through the process in our blog. To close a bank account after death, you must completely liquidate its funds. You'll just need the death certificate and your ID. The bank should close the account and make checks payable to the beneficiary. 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. You must also be given the authority to handle the account to close it.