How to open an estate bank account in Nevada using an IRS EIN

Quick answer: As the personal representative (executor or administrator) of a deceased parent’s Nevada estate, you generally need to obtain the court-issued authority (Letters testamentary or Letters of administration) or rely on a small‑estate procedure, apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for the estate from the IRS, and present the EIN plus proof of your authority and a death certificate to the bank to open an estate account. Bank requirements and whether full probate is necessary vary by situation.

Detailed answer

1. Confirm whether you must open an estate account

Not every asset must pass through an estate. Common exceptions include:

• Assets held jointly with right of survivorship.
• Accounts with a payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) beneficiary named.
• Property owned outside probate thresholds that can pass via beneficiary designation, contract, or trust.

If most of the deceased parent’s accounts are in their sole name and the bank or creditors require a separate estate account for deposit of proceeds and payment of expenses, you will need to open one.

2. Establish your authority to act for the estate

To open a formal estate bank account, banks usually require proof that you are the court-appointed personal representative. In Nevada that proof usually takes the form of Letters testamentary (if there is a will and you are the named executor) or Letters of administration (if there is no will). If the estate qualifies as a small estate under Nevada procedures, a simplified affidavit method may sometimes be used instead of full probate. For general Nevada probate information and forms, see the Nevada Judiciary probate resources: https://nvcourts.gov/self_help/probate/ and the Nevada Revised Statutes site for probate law: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/.

3. Apply for an estate EIN from the IRS

The estate needs its own EIN so the estate can file tax returns, receive funds, and pay creditors. To get an EIN for an estate:

1. Identify the estate as the entity type. When applying, select the reason “estate” (or “estate of a decedent”).
2. Use the decedent’s name and Social Security Number where requested for the application.
3. Apply online at the IRS EIN application page (fastest): https://www.irs.gov/…/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online. You can also apply by completing Form SS-4 and submitting by fax or mail; see the IRS instructions on the same site.

You will receive the EIN immediately if you complete the online application, or after processing if you use Form SS-4. Keep the EIN confirmation letter (CP 575) — banks often want a copy.

4. Gather documents banks commonly require

Banks differ in specifics, but typically require:

• Certified copy of the death certificate.
• Certified copy of Letters testamentary or Letters of administration from the probate court (or, for small estates, the approved affidavit or court order permitting collection).
• IRS EIN confirmation (CP 575 or other verification).
• Personal identification for the personal representative (driver’s license, passport).
• Original will, if relevant (some banks will want to see it).

Call the specific bank branch before you go to confirm exact requirements and whether an appointment is needed.

5. Open the account

1. Choose an account named clearly for the estate (for example: “Estate of Jane Doe, deceased, by John Doe, Personal Representative”).
2. Deposit estate funds (proceeds of sale, transferred balances, etc.).
3. Keep estate funds separate from your personal accounts—commingling creates legal and tax problems.

6. Use the estate account properly

Pay valid estate debts and expenses (funeral, taxes, administration costs) from the estate account. Maintain accurate records and bank statements for accounting to beneficiaries and the probate court. When estate administration completes and the court approves final distribution, transfer remaining funds to beneficiaries and close the estate account.

7. When full probate might not be required

Nevada provides procedures to collect small estates without formal administration in some cases. Whether your situation qualifies depends on the types and values of assets and how ownership is titled. Check Nevada court self-help resources and discuss with the county probate clerk or an attorney to confirm eligibility: https://nvcourts.gov/self_help/probate/.

8. Tax and reporting considerations

The estate EIN is used to file any required estate income tax returns, Form 1041 (if the estate generates taxable income), and to report payments the estate makes. Keep detailed records of all transactions. For IRS instructions about estate EINs and filing responsibilities, see: https://www.irs.gov/…/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online.

Helpful hints

• Call the bank first. Each bank has internal policies for opening estate accounts; asking ahead saves time.
• Bring certified documents. Banks normally want certified or court-stamped copies of court papers and the death certificate.
• Keep an organized estate folder. Store the will, letters, EIN confirmation, death certificate, account statements, and receipts in one place.
• Don’t commingle funds. Pay estate expenses from the estate account only; do not use your personal accounts for estate business.
• Get professional help when needed. If assets are complex or beneficiaries dispute distribution, consult an attorney experienced in Nevada probate law. You can review Nevada’s probate self-help materials first: https://nvcourts.gov/self_help/probate/.
• Expect timelines. Probate and estate administration take time. The court issues letters after filings and notices; banks will not accept informal statements of authority.
• Keep copies of everything you give the bank. Maintain a record of who you spoke with and when.

Where to look for Nevada statutes and forms

Nevada’s legislative statutes are available online at the Nevada Legislature site: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/. For practical court forms and step‑by‑step probate information, see the Nevada Judiciary self‑help probate pages: https://nvcourts.gov/self_help/probate/.

Disclaimer: This article explains general Nevada procedures for opening an estate bank account and using an IRS EIN. It is informational only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change and every estate situation is unique. For advice about your specific circumstances, consult a licensed Nevada probate attorney or the local probate court.