How do I find all the savings and investment accounts?

Check paperwork, bank statements, and tax returns for any references to savings or investments. The HMRC Self Assessment record or annual tax summaries may show interest or dividend income from accounts you were not aware of.

Do ISAs lose their tax-free status when someone dies?

ISAs keep their tax-free status until the estate is settled or the account is closed - whichever comes first. The surviving spouse or civil partner may also be entitled to an additional ISA allowance.

Will I need probate to access savings accounts?

Each provider sets its own threshold. Some will release small balances without probate. For larger amounts, you will usually need the grant of probate or letters of administration.

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Financial4 min

How to Notify Savings and Investment Providers After a Death

If the person who died had savings accounts, ISAs, or investments, each provider needs to be contacted separately. This guide helps you know what to say and what paperwork to have ready.

Last reviewed: 4 April 2026

What to have ready

✓Death certificate (certified copy)
✓Account or client reference number (if known)
✓Deceased’s full name, date of birth, and last address
✓Your own ID and proof of your role as [executor/administrator]
✓Any statements or correspondence from the institution

Phone script

You can read this aloud when you call. Placeholders like [full name] are filled in automatically when you use AfterLoss.

I’m calling to report the death of an account holder. Their name is [full name], date of birth [date of birth]. They passed away on [date of death]. I am the [executor/administrator] of the estate. I’d like to notify you and find out what steps are needed.

What to ask for

–Freeze or secure the account
–A valuation of all holdings as at the date of death (needed for probate and inheritance tax)
–Whether the institution holds any other accounts in the deceased’s name (savings, ISAs, bonds)
–What the probate threshold is for releasing funds without a Grant
–What documents are needed to proceed (death certificate, Grant of Probate, ID)
–For ISAs: whether a continuing ISA applies (tax-free status can be maintained for up to 3 years)
–For Premium Bonds: how long the bonds will remain in the monthly prize draw (usually 12 months)
–A bereavement reference number
–Written confirmation of today’s call

Watch out

Each institution sets its own probate threshold (these vary widely). Always ask what theirs is and whether it applies to the account balance alone or the total estate value. For investment accounts, the valuation at date of death is critical for the IHT return - request it explicitly.

Email template

Subject: Notification of death - [full name]

Dear Bereavement Team, I am writing to notify you of the death of [full name], of [their address], who passed away on [date of death]. Their date of birth was [date of birth]. I am the [executor/administrator] of the estate. I would be grateful if you could: 1. Confirm all accounts or holdings held in the deceased’s name 2. Provide a valuation of each account as at the date of death 3. Confirm what documents you require to proceed with releasing or transferring the assets 4. Advise whether probate is required given the account balance The account reference is: [Enter if known - the name and address above should be sufficient to locate the account] Please address all further correspondence to me at the address below. Yours faithfully, [your name] [executor/administrator] of the Estate of [full name] [your address] [your email] [your phone number]

Some investment platforms (e.g. Hargreaves Lansdown) require the death certificate to be sent by post, not email. Check the specific provider’s requirements before sending documents.

Template letter

You can copy this letter and print it, or use the email version above.

[your name]

[your address]

[your phone number]

[your email]

[Organisation name]

[Organisation address]

[today's date]

Re: Notification of death - [full name]

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Frequently asked questions

For more detail, see our full guide: Read guide →

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