What to do when an investment account holder is deceased.
Dealing with the death of someone close to you is never easy. We’ve put together a guide of what to do if your loved one had an investment account with us. Don’t forget to give us a call or visit our bereavement page for any further help and guidance.
Dealing with bereavement
Dealing with investment accounts
From 3 December 2014, a spouse or civil partner can invest an additional tax free allowance equivalent to the value of the balances held in an ISA(s) by the deceased as at the date of their death.
These are classed as previous year’s subscriptions and are in addition to their annual ISA allowance. The Society does not currently offer an account for these funds, however the allowance can be transferred to another provider. Simply contact your new provider direct to start the process.
Additional permitted subscriptions
Where a saver dies on or after the 6 April 2018, any ISA(s) held by the deceased may remain open as a continuing ISA.
The additional permitted subscription allowance equals the higher of the value of the ISA(s) as at the date of death or when they cease to be a continuing ISA.
The account will cease to be a continuing ISA on the earlier date of either: if the account is closed; or if the account remains open 3 years after the date of death or on the administration of the deceased’s estate.
The spouse or civil partner of the deceased can invest this value, which is classed as the previous years’ subscriptions and is in addition to their own annual ISA allowance.
When an investment account holder dies
What happens next?
If you would like us to treat the account differently, this will need to be confirmed by all the remaining account holders.
If the surviving holder would like to remain within the FSCS compensation limit then the Society will provide penalty free access to funds held in accounts where withdrawal restrictions apply.
This facility is available for 60 days from registration of the death.
If interest is being paid to another account and this is in the sole name of the deceased, we will require alternative instructions.
At this point we can also supply you with a Certificate of interest showing any interest credited to the account during specific periods of the estate administration.
What to do
How do I
close the account?
Total balances less than £250
If you are related as the spouse/civil partner, child, parent or sibling, you can close the account on completion of a Letter of Indemnity.
Total balances between £250 and £15,000
Regardless of your relationship to the deceased, you can complete a Letter
of Indemnity, which must be witnessed by a Solicitor or Notary Public.
Total balances in excess of £15,000
We will require sight of the original Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration. The Executors can then confirm their instructions in writing.
We will close accounts by cheque, or funds can be sent by CHAPS direct to a nominated current account in the name of the beneficiary or executor. A fee of £25 is payable for this service and can be deducted from the amount sent. If the value of the account(s) totals £100,000 or more, funds will be sent automatically by CHAPS and without charge.
Bereavment
What to do with different types of accounts.
You can find further information on dealing with different types of our accounts on the following links.
Get in touch
Need to talk?
If you’d prefer to just speak to someone at this difficult time, our door is open and it’s got real people behind it.You can fill out the form here and we’ll get back in touch with you. Or please feel free to visit your local branch in person, drop us an email or give us a call.
Prefer to give us a call?
Call 0330 123 0723
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