Short answer

To close an estate bank account in Arkansas you (usually the personal representative/executor) must (1) gather the required court-issued documents (letters testamentary or letters of administration), (2) collect and pay estate bills and taxes as required, (3) prepare and file the estate accounting or final settlement with the probate court if the court opened a formal estate, and (4) present the court’s final order or the bank’s required paperwork to the bank to close the account. The court’s final settlement or the bank’s internal closing statement will serve as the required closing statement. Read on for a step‑by‑step FAQ that explains what to expect and what to prepare under Arkansas law.

Detailed answer — step by step (Arkansas)

1. Confirm whether probate was opened and who is the fiduciary

Only the appointed personal representative (called an executor if named in a will, or administrator if no will exists) has legal authority to act for the decedent’s estate. That authority comes from the probate court issuing official letters testamentary or letters of administration. If you do not have those letters, do not try to transact on the estate account — banks will generally require certified copies of the letters. For Arkansas statutes on probate and appointment of representatives, see Arkansas Code Title 28 (Probate law): https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/.

2. Gather the documents the bank will require

Different banks vary in procedure, but commonly required documents include:

• Certified copy of the death certificate.
• Certified copy of letters testamentary or letters of administration issued by the circuit court.
• Photo ID for the personal representative.
• Estate bank account number and bank forms the bank requires for closing/transferring funds.

Call the bank first and ask for their probate/estate department; ask for a written list of requirements so there are no delays.

3. Inventory and pay estate liabilities before closing the account

As the personal representative you must gather the estate’s assets and pay known debts and administrative expenses before distributing assets to beneficiaries. Typical steps include:

• Prepare an inventory of estate assets and the account balance.
• Use estate funds to pay funeral costs, creditor claims (if any), administration expenses, and final taxes.
• If creditors exist or a formal probate has been opened, follow the court’s notice and claims process before making final distributions.

Arkansas probate rules set procedures for notice to creditors and court supervision; check the probate clerk or court for local practice and any relevant Arkansas statutes or forms: https://www.arcourts.gov/.

4. Small estate options (if the estate is small)

If an estate qualifies as a “small estate” under Arkansas law, there may be a simplified process (often an affidavit) that lets a spouse, heir, or personal representative collect assets without formal administration. The bank may accept a small‑estate affidavit and a death certificate instead of court letters. Whether you qualify depends on statute and the exact value/types of assets — check with the probate clerk or an attorney for confirmation.

5. Prepare and file the final accounting or petition for discharge (if formal probate exists)

In a formally administered estate, the personal representative typically files a final accounting or settlement with the probate court showing all receipts, disbursements, distributions, and remaining balance. The court will review the accounting, allow interested parties to object, and then enter an order approving the final settlement and discharging the representative. The court’s order and the approved accounting are the official closing records you will provide to the bank as the estate closing statement.

Ask the circuit clerk in the county where probate was opened for local filing requirements and forms. Arkansas probate statutes and local rules govern the timing and contents of accountings; see the Arkansas judicial site for court contact and forms: https://www.arcourts.gov/.

6. Present the court order or bank closing paperwork to the bank

Once debts are paid and the court approves the final settlement (or if the bank accepts the representative’s signed closing documentation in an informal case), present the required paperwork to the bank:

• Certified letters + photo ID.
• Court order approving final settlement (if probate was formal and the court issued such an order).
• Any required bank forms completed by the representative and beneficiaries (for distribution agreements).

The bank will then issue a bank closing statement (or final account statement) showing the final transactions and the closure of the estate account. Keep certified copies of everything for the estate record and for beneficiaries.

7. Tax and reporting matters after closure

Before final distribution, check whether the estate must file final federal income tax returns or an estate tax return. Arkansas does not currently have a separate state estate tax return for most estates, but income and federal filings may be required. Consult the IRS instructions and a tax professional where needed.

Common documents you will need

• Certified copy of the death certificate.
• Letters testamentary or letters of administration (certified by the clerk).
• Inventory and receipts for estate payments.
• Copies of creditor notices and any creditor claim responses (if applicable).
• Final accounting or petition for discharge filed with the probate court (if formal probate).
• Bank closing statement or the bank’s completed closure paperwork.

What if the bank refuses to close the estate account?

If a bank refuses to cooperate even after you present the required court documents, you can:

1. Ask to speak to the bank’s estate or fiduciary department and get written reasons for refusal.
2. Provide any missing documents or get certified copies of the court papers if the bank questions authenticity.
3. If the bank still refuses without legal basis, file a motion with the probate court asking the judge to order the bank to honor the court’s letters or to approve a proposed distribution or closure.

The probate court has authority to direct disposition of estate funds; your circuit clerk or probate judge’s office can explain local procedure for motions.

Helpful Hints

• Call the bank first. Banks vary widely in procedure and required forms; get a written list of what they need.
• Get certified copies of court letters and certified death certificates early. Banks typically will not accept uncertified or photocopied documents.
• Keep meticulous receipts. The personal representative must account for every dollar — accurate bookkeeping reduces disputes and speeds court approval.
• Check small‑estate options. If the estate is small, a streamlined affidavit procedure might avoid full probate and simplify closure.
• Talk to the circuit clerk. Local clerks often provide probate checklists and can tell you whether a formal final accounting is required in your county.
• Consider limited legal help. If there are disputes, creditor claims, or complex taxes, hire an attorney experienced in Arkansas probate to prepare the final accounting or an order approving distributions.
• Preserve the bank closing statement. Keep originals in the estate file and provide copies to heirs/beneficiaries as part of the final accounting.