To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court.Notify Bank of America. We'll ask you for the deceased customer's full legal name and Social Security number to identify their accounts. If submitting online, you must provide your Social Security number for verification. Navigating and closing a deceased person's bank account can be tricky. Follow these simple steps to ensure you are able to properly close the account. Bank accounts that are solely in your name can be held up temporarily upon your death. It describes the financial activity of the estate in great detail from the decedent's date of death to the proposed date of closure. This letter enables the administrator to act on behalf of the estate and distribute its assets according to New York's intestacy laws.