After a death, the executor or family member managing the estate faces a long list of accounts to notify, close, or transfer. This guide walks you through the process in a logical order — starting with time-sensitive notifications and working through the full list.
The Guiding Principle: Notify, Don't Just Stop Paying
The instinct is to simply stop paying. But accounts that aren't properly closed can continue to accrue charges, create collection issues for the estate, or generate complications when closing the estate. Each account type has a specific process — most take 10–30 minutes once you have the right documents.
What You'll Need for Most Accounts
- Certified copies of the death certificate (bring at least 5–10; have more ordered if needed)
- Your government-issued ID
- Documentation of your authority: letters testamentary (for executors), probate court order, or joint account holder status
- Account numbers or recent statements where available
Step 1: Immediate Notifications (Within Days)
Social Security Administration
Call 1-800-772-1213 immediately. Monthly payments must stop — overpayments must be returned. The funeral home usually handles this notification; confirm with them. See our Social Security death benefits guide for survivor benefit information.
Employer or pension provider
Notify the HR department or pension provider to stop payroll and initiate any survivor benefits or final paycheck processing.
Banks (to freeze or flag the account)
Notify each bank promptly to flag the account. This doesn't close the account immediately but prevents new transactions and signals the account is in estate administration.
Step 2: Within the First Two Weeks
Life insurance companies
Contact each insurer to initiate claims. Provide a certified death certificate and a completed claim form. Most insurers pay within 2–6 weeks of receiving a complete claim.
Financial accounts (brokerage, retirement)
Contact each institution's estate services department. Accounts with named beneficiaries typically transfer directly; accounts without beneficiaries go through the estate (probate).
Credit cards
Notify each credit card company. The account is closed; any balance becomes a claim against the estate. Authorized users (not joint account holders) are not responsible for the balance. Request final statements for estate accounting.
Automatic payments
Review the last 2–3 months of bank and credit card statements and identify every recurring charge. Cancel each one individually — utilities, subscriptions, insurance premiums, gym memberships, etc.
Step 3: Within the First Month
Utilities
Contact each utility (electric, gas, water, internet, phone) to either close the account or transfer it to another person's name. Most will work with the estate on outstanding balances.
Subscription services
Cancel streaming services (Netflix, Spotify, Apple TV, Disney+), cloud storage (Google One, iCloud, Dropbox), news subscriptions, and any other paid subscriptions. Most can be cancelled online; a few require a phone call with a death certificate for refunds.
Mortgage or rent
The mortgage servicer needs to be notified. The loan doesn't disappear — whoever inherits the property assumes it or sells. Contact the servicer's estate services line. If the deceased was renting, notify the landlord and arrange to terminate the lease.
Insurance policies
Cancel or transfer auto insurance, homeowner's/renter's insurance, and health insurance. Note: Medicare ends at death automatically; notify any supplemental insurers.
Voter registration and driver's license
Notify your local election board and DMV. Some states have processes to notify these automatically through the death certificate filing.
Step 4: Digital Accounts
Each platform has its own process. Key accounts to address:
| Account type | Action |
|---|---|
| Email (Gmail, Outlook) | Use Google Inactive Account Manager or request account removal; download data first if needed |
| Social media | Memorialize or request removal (platform-specific); see our social media guide |
| PayPal / Venmo | Contact support with death certificate; balance may go to estate |
| Amazon | Contact Amazon customer service; account cannot be transferred |
| Cloud storage | Download important files before closing accounts |
| Online banking apps | Handle through the parent financial institution |
Step 5: Government Accounts and Records
- Veterans Administration — notify VA of the death; apply for any burial benefits (see our VA benefits guide)
- Medicare — notify CMS; any Medicare Advantage or supplement insurer
- IRS — the executor must file a final tax return; notify IRS of the death by including "Deceased" on the return
- State tax authority — may require a separate state estate tax return depending on estate size and state
- Post office — submit a mail forwarding request to the executor's address
How to Keep Track
Create a simple spreadsheet or checklist with: account name, contact information, date notified, date closed/transferred, and notes. This documentation is also useful for estate accounting. Most estate attorneys recommend keeping records of all account closures for at least three years after the estate is settled.