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Brief answer

Closing an estate bank account in Washington usually means the personal representative (executor or administrator) uses their court-issued authority to pay estate debts and taxes, make required filings, prepare a final accounting or closing statement, and then distribute the remaining funds to the beneficiaries. Most banks will require proof of the representative’s authority (Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration), a death certificate, and an itemized closing statement or court order before releasing funds. If beneficiaries or creditors object, you may need to file papers and get court approval before closing the account.

Detailed Answer — step-by-step under Washington law

1. Confirm who has authority

Only the person appointed by the Washington Superior Court as personal representative can legally close an estate bank account. That appointment is proved by Letters Testamentary (if there is a will) or Letters of Administration (if no will). Contact the clerk of the county Superior Court that handled the probate to obtain certified copies.

2. Identify the type of account and ownership

Check whether the account is an estate account (opened in the estate’s name and Tax ID), a joint account, or an account payable-on-death (POD) to a named beneficiary. Washington law and bank practice treat these differently:

• Estate accounts opened by the personal representative are controlled by the representative and the probate process.
• Joint accounts usually pass to the surviving joint owner outside probate, but funds that were solely the decedent’s may sometimes be treated as estate property depending on facts.
• POD accounts pay the named beneficiary directly and typically do not become part of the estate.

3. Gather documents banks will require

Most banks require:

• Certified copy of Letters (Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration) from the county Superior Court.
• Certified copy of the death certificate.
• Personal ID of the personal representative (driver’s license or passport).
• An itemized closing statement or final accounting showing how funds will be used or distributed.
• Any additional forms the bank asks for (their in‑house estate closing form).

4. Pay estate obligations before distribution

The representative must use estate funds to pay:

• Reasonable funeral and administration expenses;
• Valid creditor claims allowed under Washington probate procedures;
• Estate and final income taxes, if any;
• Court-ordered fees and expenses, including attorney and personal representative fees if allowed.

Washington probate law (Title 11 RCW) governs administration and distribution of estate assets. See Washington statutes for probate procedure: RCW Title 11 — Probate and Trusts.

5. Prepare the closing statement / final accounting

A closing statement (final accounting) should be clear, itemized, and auditable. Include:

• Opening balance in the estate account;
• All deposits (proceeds from sale of assets, transfers in, etc.);
• All payments and disbursements (creditors, funeral, taxes, fees, transfers to beneficiaries); include dates and check numbers or transfer references;
• List of assets remaining and their distribution (who receives what and the amounts);
• Ending account balance (should be zero after distribution, or show any retained balance and why);
• Signatures and date of the personal representative and, if required by the court or beneficiaries, notarization or verification under oath.

Washington courts require accountings in some situations and allow interested persons (beneficiaries) to demand an accounting. If you are under court supervision or a beneficiary asks for an accounting, you must file an accounting with the court following court instructions. For general probate forms and instructions, see the Washington Courts forms page: Washington Courts — Forms.

6. Distribute funds and close the account

Once debts and taxes are paid and the final accounting is prepared (and approved by the court if needed), the representative can transfer or issue checks to beneficiaries according to the will or Washington intestacy law. Provide the bank with the closing statement and any releases beneficiaries sign if the bank requests them. After distribution, ask the bank for a written confirmation that the account is closed and that no further claims will be honored against it.

7. If there is opposition or unresolved claims

If a creditor’s claim is disputed or a beneficiary objects to the accounting or distribution, do not close or distribute contested funds without court direction. You may need to file a petition with the Superior Court for instructions, allowance of claims, or approval of the final accounting. The Washington Superior Court can issue orders resolving disputes and authorizing distributions.

8. Small estate and simplified procedures

Washington provides simplified procedures for some small estates and for transfer of certain personal property; the exact rules and thresholds can change. Check the Washington Courts resources and RCW Title 11 for small estate procedures before relying on a simplified process. Useful starting places:

• Washington Courts — Probate & Guardianship information: https://www.courts.wa.gov/programs-procedures/?fa=probate.index
• Department of Revenue — estate tax information (if applicable): https://dor.wa.gov/find-taxes-rates/other-taxes/estate-tax

9. Recordkeeping and evidence to keep

Keep copies of:

• All bank statements and canceled checks;
• Receipts for payments to creditors, service providers, and tax filings;
• Copies of Letters and the death certificate;
• Signed releases from beneficiaries after distribution (if obtained);
• Court filings and orders (if the probate was supervised or required filings).

When you must involve the court

If the probate was formal (court‑supervised) or if the court previously ordered accountings, you will normally file the final accounting with the court and request an order allowing distribution. Even if the probate was informal, creditors or beneficiaries can petition the court to compel an accounting or to review distributions.

Helpful Hints

• Contact the bank early. Different banks have different internal procedures and forms for estate closures; asking upfront saves delays.
• Get certified copies of the Letters from the county Superior Court — banks request certified copies, not plain photocopies.
• Keep an organized ledger. A simple spreadsheet or accounting schedule listing every deposit, payment, and transfer makes the closing statement easy to prepare and defend if questioned.
• Hold back a small reserve if creditor claims are possible. Closing an account and distributing all funds before the claims period ends can expose you to personal liability.
• Ask beneficiaries to sign receipts or releases when they accept distributions. That provides protection if a later creditor claim arises.
• If you expect disputes, seek a court order approving the distribution — it gives you protection from later claims.
• Use available Washington Court forms for accountings and distribution petitions when court filings are needed: Washington Courts — Forms.
• Consult Washington Department of Revenue guidance if estate tax or filing is a possibility: WA Department of Revenue — Estate Tax.

What if I need more help?

If you are unsure what to include in a final accounting, whether you should keep funds in reserve, or how to respond to a beneficiary or creditor dispute, consider contacting a probate attorney familiar with Washington law or the clerk of the Superior Court in the county where probate is filed. County court clerks can explain filing procedures but cannot give legal advice.