Detailed Answer — what you need and why

This section explains the usual legal and practical steps under Wyoming law for creating an estate bank account using an IRS EIN for a deceased parent. It assumes the estate will be administered through probate or a formal administration process. If the estate qualifies for a simplified or small-estate process, the steps below may vary.

1. Determine whether probate or formal administration is required

Many estates require appointment of a personal representative through Wyoming probate courts before financial institutions will allow an estate account. The Wyoming statutes and court rules govern probate and the authority of a personal representative; see the Wyoming statutes index for probate and administration for details: https://wyoleg.gov/Statutes/. If assets pass outside probate (joint accounts, payable-on-death designations, or assets with beneficiary designations), you may not need a formal estate account for those items.

2. Get appointed as the personal representative (if needed)

To open an estate account most banks will require Letters Testamentary (if there is a will and you are named executor) or Letters of Administration (if there is no will). These are issued by the district court after the court accepts your appointment. Contact the clerk of the district court in the county where the decedent lived to start probate. The court issues certified copies of the letters that banks accept as proof of your authority.

3. Obtain an EIN for the estate from the IRS

An estate requires a federal EIN (Employer Identification Number) for banking and tax reporting (e.g., to file Form 1041 if the estate earns income). You can obtain an EIN for the decedent’s estate immediately after you are appointed or, in some cases, as part of estate administration. Apply online or by filing Form SS-4. See the IRS guide and online application here: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online. You may also want to complete IRS Form 56 (Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship) to notify the IRS of your fiduciary role: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-56.

4. Gather the documents banks typically require

Different banks have slightly different requirements, but plan to bring:

• Certified copy of the decedent’s death certificate (multiple certified copies are helpful).
• Certified Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration from the Wyoming district court (certified copies).
• Your government-issued photo ID.
• The estate EIN (IRS confirmation or EIN assignment letter).
• The decedent’s will, if applicable (some banks request it).

5. Open the estate account with correct naming and use

Open the account under an appropriate fiduciary name such as: “Estate of Jane Doe, by John Doe, Personal Representative, EIN xx-xxxxxxx.” Use the estate account only for estate funds. Do not mix estate funds with your personal funds. Maintain clear accounting of deposits, disbursements, and receipts.

6. Use the account for proper estate administration tasks

Deposit estate proceeds (funds from sale of property, bank accounts, life insurance paid to the estate, etc.), pay legitimate creditors, funeral expenses, and taxes. Keep detailed records and retain all receipts. Before distributing assets to beneficiaries, ensure all valid claims and taxes have been satisfied and you have court approval if required.

7. Taxes and final steps

File federal estate and income tax returns as required. Wyoming has no state inheritance or estate tax, but confirm current rules with the Wyoming Department of Revenue or your attorney. For federal income tax and fiduciary tax return information, see IRS resources linked above. After closing administration and distributing assets per the will or statute, close the estate bank account and retain records (banks and courts commonly expect multi-year record retention).

What if there’s no formal appointment or the estate is small?

Some estates qualify for simplified procedures (small-estate affidavits or summary administration). In those cases, banks may accept a small-estate affidavit or court order instead of Letters. Check Wyoming procedures with the district court or a probate attorney and consult the Wyoming statutes on small estates: https://wyoleg.gov/Statutes/.

Common reasons banks decline to open an estate account

• No court-authorized proof of fiduciary authority (no certified Letters).
• No federal EIN provided for the estate.
• Missing certified death certificate or insufficient ID.
• Bank policy requiring additional documentation (bond, will, or bank forms).

Note on Wyoming law resources: For statutory guidance on probate, appointment and duties of personal representatives, and small-estate procedures consult the Wyoming statutes and the district court rules for probate. See: Wyoming Statutes (search probate/administration).

Important: This overview explains common steps in Wyoming but does not replace legal advice. If the estate involves complex assets, disputes, tax issues, or questions about requirements, consult a Wyoming probate attorney or the district court clerk.

Helpful Hints — practical checklist and tips

• Get several certified death certificates early (banks, Social Security, insurance companies often require originals).
• Contact the district court clerk in the county where your parent lived to confirm exact probate filing steps and required paperwork.
• Apply for the estate EIN online through the IRS for fastest processing: IRS EIN online.
• Bring certified Letters (not photocopies) to the bank. Ask the bank which branch, department, or forms they require before you go.
• Name the account clearly to avoid confusion; never commingle estate and personal funds.
• Keep a chronological file of all estate bank account transactions, receipts, and communications with creditors and beneficiaries.
• Consider speaking with a local probate attorney if beneficiaries dispute distributions or if the estate has unusual assets (business interests, out‑of‑state real estate, or tax complexities).
• Wyoming does not impose a state estate or inheritance tax; verify current rules before filing state tax returns.
• If a bank refuses to open the account or imposes unusual requirements, request a written explanation and consult the district court clerk or counsel for next steps.

Where to get official forms and more information

• Wyoming district court clerk (probate filing and court forms) — check the county court website or contact the clerk directly.
• Wyoming statutes (probate and administration): https://wyoleg.gov/Statutes/
• IRS EIN application and fiduciary forms: Apply for an EIN and Form 56.

Disclaimer: This is general informational content only and not legal advice. Laws and court procedures change. For advice about a specific situation, contact a Wyoming probate attorney or the district court clerk.