Closing an Estate Bank Account and Getting the Final Closing Statement in New Hampshire

Short answer: In New Hampshire, the personal representative (executor or administrator) uses court-issued authority (Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration), presents that authority and a death certificate to the bank, pays debts and taxes, makes lawful distributions to beneficiaries, and requests a final bank closing statement showing the account reconciliation and disbursements. Keep clear records and file a final accounting with the Probate Court if required or requested. This page explains the practical steps and where to find official resources. This is educational only and not legal advice.

Detailed answer

1. Who can close an estate bank account?

The person authorized to manage and close the decedent’s bank accounts is the estate’s personal representative (called an executor if named in a will or an administrator if appointed by the Probate Court). That person must be able to show the bank a certified copy of the court-issued Letters (Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration) or other court order giving authority.

2. Documents the bank usually requires

• Certified copy of Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration from the New Hampshire Probate Court.
• Original or certified copy of the decedent’s death certificate.
• Personal identification for the personal representative (driver’s license, passport).
• Estate Tax ID (Employer Identification Number or EIN) for the estate if funds will remain in the estate account beyond a short period — get an EIN from the IRS: IRS: Apply for an EIN.
• Account numbers, recent account statements, and the decedent’s will (if applicable).

3. Bank process to close the account

1. Provide the bank with the required documents listed above. Ask the bank which specific internal form(s) they need to close an estate account; banks vary in process.
2. Confirm whether the account is titled in the deceased person’s name alone or already titled to the estate. If not already re‑titled, the bank will usually want the Letters before allowing withdrawals or transfers.
3. Identify any pending deposits or outstanding checks/ACH transactions. Keep the account open until outstanding payments clear to avoid returned items and liability for the estate.
4. Pay estate liabilities from the estate account (authorized funeral bills, probate expenses, valid creditor claims, taxes). Keep receipts and proof of payment.
5. After liabilities are paid and you have authority to distribute, make distributions to beneficiaries per the will or New Hampshire intestacy law.
6. Ask the bank for a final, itemized closing statement (sometimes called a final account ledger or final statement). Request a certified or stamped copy if you must file it with the Probate Court or provide it to beneficiaries.

4. What should the bank’s closing statement include?

A proper final closing statement should show:

• Account number (partial is acceptable for privacy) and account title.
• Beginning balance and ending balance.
• All deposits and disbursements with dates and descriptions (or an attached transaction history).
• Any service charges or fees charged to the account.
• Signature, printed name, and title of the bank official preparing the statement and a bank stamp or certification if available.

5. Filing a final accounting with the Probate Court (when required)

Not every estate requires a formal court-supervised accounting. In many uncontested, small, or routine estates the personal representative prepares records and provides them to beneficiaries when distributing funds. However, New Hampshire Probate Court can require a formal accounting in contested matters or when Court supervision was part of the appointment. Check local Probate Court rules or your appointment paperwork.

For general information about Probate procedures in New Hampshire visit the New Hampshire Judicial Branch: New Hampshire Judicial Branch. For statutory law and a search of state statutes, see the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated: NH RSA (official code).

6. What if the bank refuses to provide a closing statement or to release funds?

• Confirm you gave the bank a certified copy of the Letters and all required identification.
• Ask to speak with a branch manager or the bank’s fiduciary/estate department. Large banks often route estate matters to a specialized team.
• If the bank still refuses without legitimate reason, you can return to Probate Court and ask a judge to order the bank to comply. The Court can also resolve disputes about who has authority over the account.
• Keep copies of every communication (requests, bank responses) and document date/time/employee names.

7. Practical timing and holds

Banks may place holds for several weeks to ensure checks clear and to allow for debits or reversals (ACH, pending deposits). Plan distributions so the account remains open until you are reasonably certain no further items will post. Typical safe period varies with the types of items involved; ask the bank for their expected hold timeframe in writing.

8. When to get a lawyer

Consider hiring an attorney if any of the following apply:

• Multiple or large creditors with disputed claims.
• Complex asset types (closely held business interests, unusual investments, out-of-state property).
• Fiduciary disputes among beneficiaries or allegations of wrongdoing by the personal representative.
• Significant estate tax issues or complex tax filings.

Helpful Hints

• Start by obtaining certified Letters from the New Hampshire Probate Court — banks will rarely act without them.
• Request the bank’s estate-closing checklist early so you know what documents they will want.
• Get an EIN for the estate before moving funds if the estate will hold assets for more than a short period.
• Keep a separate estate ledger or spreadsheet that tracks every estate deposit and disbursement and keep original receipts.
• Get the final bank closing statement in writing and, if possible, stamped or certified by the bank for court or beneficiary records.
• Inform beneficiaries in writing about distributions and provide them copies of the account closing statement and a short accounting summary.
• Keep the account open until all routine holds and pending items clear; confirm the bank’s expected hold timeline in writing.
• If the bank is slow or uncooperative, document each contact and escalate to a manager or the bank’s estate department before going to court.
• Use the New Hampshire Judicial Branch and the NH RSA site for court forms, appointment instructions, and statute texts: NH Judicial Branch and NH RSA.
• For federal tax identification questions, use the IRS EIN online application: Apply for an EIN.

Final note / disclaimer: This article explains typical steps for closing an estate bank account in New Hampshire and obtaining a closing statement. It is educational only and is not legal advice. If your situation involves disputes, complex assets, tax questions, or unusual facts, consult a licensed New Hampshire attorney or contact the Probate Court handling the estate for guidance.