To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. To be recognized as the estate administrator, you must file the petition for grant of letters of administration with the Register of Wills.Certificates and affidavits of death. The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court. To close a bank account after death, you must completely liquidate its funds. If the bank is requiring letters testamentary, you will need to go through probate to obtain them. I suggest you meet with an experienced probate attorney. 1) Tangible Personal Property which includes furnishings in the residence and two automobiles;. 2) Intangible Personal Property: four bank accounts;. Notify Bank of America.