You'll receive an email within 24 hours explaining what documents are needed to complete your claim. Typically, we require: A copy of the death certificate.To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. You should also make a list of what the Decedent owned at the time of death (such as bank accounts, house, stocks, etc.). In New York State, the Surrogate's Court decides what happens to a person's property when that person dies. You can use this letter template to write to the bank to request the closure of a direct payments account following the death of the account holder. 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. To close a bank account after death, you must completely liquidate its funds. Enclosed with this letter are the death certificate and my legal authorization as the executor.