Steps to Open an Estate Checking Account in North Carolina
- 1). Petition the North Carolina county Clerk of Court to approve the last will and testament. Provide the will to the probate court clerk along with any required forms.
- 2). Demonstrate that you are the proper executor for the estate. The last will and testament often names the requested executor, however, if none is named you will need to apply for approval and provide 30 days notice to all beneficiaries of your appointment request. This gives them time to contest your appointment.
- 3). Obtain the Letter of Testamentary from the probate court, officially appointing you as executor of the estate.
- 4). Go to the bank where assets are held by the deceased or another bank you prefer to work with.
- 5). Obtain a tax identification number from the IRS. Call the IRS at 800-829-4933 to file form SS-4 over the phone to get the number immediately.
- 6). Ask a new account representative to open an estate account. Provide the Letter of Testamentary as well as the death certificate and your identification proving you are the approved executor.
- 7). Complete all forms, signing them as the executor of the estate. Request a checking account and order checks. Consolidate any accounts at the bank, placing them in the estate account.
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