Detailed answer — step-by-step guide under Wisconsin law

This explanation assumes someone has died owning assets that must be collected and managed by a personal representative (sometimes called an executor or administrator). Wisconsin’s probate rules and the powers given to a personal representative control who may open an estate bank account and how it should be used. For an overview of Wisconsin probate law, see the Wisconsin Statutes: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes and the probate-related chapters at the state site.

1. Confirm whether probate administration is required and who is the personal representative.

   Not every estate requires full probate. If the decedent left a valid will, the named executor will typically petition the circuit court for appointment. If there is no will, a family member usually petitions to be appointed administrator. The circuit court handles appointments and issues the official documentation (Letters) that banks accept. See Wisconsin’s circuit court forms and information: https://www.wicourts.gov/forms1/circuit/index.htm.

2. Obtain the documents banks expect.

   Most banks require:

   • A certified copy of the decedent’s death certificate (obtained from the county vital records office).
   • Certified Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary issued by the Wisconsin circuit court showing your appointment and authority as personal representative.
   • Federal EIN confirmation (see next step).
   • Personal identification for the personal representative (driver’s license or passport) and any bank-specific forms.
3. Apply for an EIN for the estate from the IRS.

   The estate needs its own EIN because the estate is a separate taxpayer for reporting estate income and for many financial institutions. You apply to the IRS for an EIN. Useful IRS resources:

   • Apply for an EIN online or learn the options: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online
   • Form SS-4 and instructions: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-ss-4

   How to apply in practice:

   • If you are in the U.S., the IRS online application is often fastest. The personal representative is the “responsible party.”
   • If you cannot use the online system, you can submit Form SS-4 via fax or mail. The estate name on the SS-4 usually appears as “Estate of [Decedent’s Full Name].”
   • Keep the IRS EIN confirmation (CP 575 or the confirmation letter) — banks will accept it as proof of the estate’s taxpayer identification.
4. Visit banks to open the estate account.

   Not all banks have the same requirements. Call ahead and ask what they will accept. Provide:

   • Certified Letters of Administration/Testamentary.
   • Certified death certificate.
   • EIN confirmation from the IRS.
   • Personal ID for the personal representative.

   Account title examples banks commonly accept:

   • Estate of John Q. Public, by Jane Q. Personal-Rep, Personal Representative
   • John Q. Public, Deceased, Estate Account — Jane Q., Personal Representative

   Use the corp/title wording the bank prefers. Keep a clear paper trail for every deposit and distribution.

5. Use the estate account only for estate business and maintain good records.

   Deposit estate receipts (sale proceeds, income) into the account. Pay estate expenses, taxes, and distributions from the account. Keep itemized records and bank statements — you will need them for the final accounting and any tax filings (for example, federal Form 1041 for estate income: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1041).

6. Consider small-estate options if applicable.

   Wisconsin has streamlined procedures for smaller estates in many situations. If the estate qualifies for a small estate process, you may be able to collect certain assets without full probate or without an EIN for limited transactions. Rules and thresholds vary. Contact the local probate clerk or review Wisconsin probate resources to determine whether a simplified method applies.

7. Tax and reporting responsibilities.

   Opening an estate account does not remove tax duties. The estate may need to file state and federal estate or income tax returns. The estate’s EIN is what you will use for those filings. Consult tax guidance from the IRS and consider a tax or estate attorney for complicated estates.

Relevant Wisconsin references: For statutory guidance and forms, start with the state statutes and the circuit court forms and information pages: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes and https://www.wicourts.gov/forms1/circuit/index.htm. These links will direct you to probate chapters and the local court forms used to obtain Letters that banks rely upon.

Typical documents banks will ask for

• Certified Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary from the county circuit court.
• Certified death certificate (original or certified copy).
• EIN confirmation letter from the IRS (or printed online confirmation).
• Personal identification for the personal representative.
• Completed bank signature and account forms naming the estate and the personal representative.

Helpful hints

• Call several banks before going in. Requirements and fees vary by institution.
• Use a clear account name: banks prefer “Estate of [Name], by [Personal Representative], Personal Representative.” Follow the bank’s format exactly.
• Keep estate funds separate from personal funds — mixing funds can create legal and tax problems.
• Keep original certified court documents; banks may photocopy and return originals but confirm their policy first.
• If the estate will earn interest or generate income, get the EIN before significant transactions to avoid reporting issues.
• If you can’t find or obtain formal Letters quickly, ask the bank whether it will accept a local small-estate affidavit or other limited documentation — but confirm legal sufficiency first.
• Maintain good records of all deposits, disbursements, bills paid, and distributions to heirs or creditors. You might need to file an accounting with the court.
• Consult a probate attorney if the estate is large, contested, includes real property, or if you foresee disputes among heirs — an attorney can explain Wisconsin-specific filing requirements and timelines.
• For tax questions, consult a tax professional familiar with estate tax and fiduciary income tax returns.