It can be as simple as "we are closing your account as of X date. To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account.The Decedent's Estate Account uses the PC583 Form (PDF). Note: Please type or print neatly in black or blue ink. Prepare your account for closure before submitting your request: o Accounts must have a zero or positive balance in order to be closed. When the estate is ready for closing, you are also required to file a final account with a description of property remaining in the estate. The Account period must span 1 year.