When can I close the estate and distribute the assets? To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account.To close a bank account after death, you must completely liquidate its funds. Present a certified death certificate where the deceased's account is located. 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. 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. Notify Bank of America. We'll ask you for the deceased customer's full legal name and Social Security number to identify their accounts. Start, stop or transfer electric or gas services for homes and businesses online. More than 28 days have passed since decedent's death. 3.