To open an estate bank account, the voluntary administrator must obtain an "EIN Employer Identification Number" from the IRS. Under New York state law, you can add a POD designation to checking accounts, savings accounts, savings bonds, and certificates of deposit.The surviving joint tenant or the beneficiary whose account is ITF or POD can access the bank account upon the showing of a valid death certificate. If submitting online, you must provide your Social Security number for verification. Probate refers to the legal process an executor typically goes through to resolve a deceased person's estate. The person who died is called the Decedent. That person's property is called the estate. We'll need a photocopy of the death certificate to verify the identity and legal residence of your loved one as well as confirm date of death. To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. Please complete the Annuity Direct Deposit form and make sure to include a voided check for the new account.