To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. Online: Use our online form to notify us about a customer's death.After someone dies, notify the government programs and businesses they used. Cancel benefits payments and close or transfer accounts. The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court. You will need to provide a certified copy of the death certificate to close the account. Step 3: Figure out who is legally responsible for any credit card debt. Learn about the recommended administrative and termination procedures for trust administrations in Nevada. In general, you can't. The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court.