What to do when a Avantax account holder dies
Contact Avantax's Estate Services (via your Avantax advisor) — 5-step process, 9 required documents, and 2-4 weeks once all documents received in good order; complex estates may take longer
Cetera Wealth Services Client Support
Phone888-406-5444
Mailing Address
3200 Olympus Blvd., Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75019
WebsiteLearn more→
Estate Services (via your Avantax advisor)
Phone888-406-5444
Mailing Address
3200 Olympus Blvd., Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75019
Death Claims (via your Avantax advisor or Cetera Wealth Services)
Phone888-406-5444
Mailing Address
3200 Olympus Blvd., Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75019
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Apr 2026
What happens to Avantax investment accounts after the account holder dies depends on how each account was titled. Beneficiary-designated and trust-owned accounts transfer directly. Accounts in the deceased's name alone go through the estate, and the executor or administrator works with Avantax's Estate Services (via your Avantax advisor) (888-406-5444) to claim the funds.
Death claims at Avantax can be started through an online portal, which streamlines the initial notification and document upload. Phone and mail options are also available.
Death claim process
Here is the step-by-step death claim process at Avantax:
Filing a claim
1
Contact your Avantax financial advisor or call Cetera Wealth Services at 888-406-5444 to report the death of an account holder
2
The advisor or service team will freeze the account to prevent unauthorized transactions
3
Gather and submit required documentation:
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Completed claim form (provided by your advisor or the clearing firm)
- Government-issued ID for the claimant/beneficiary
- Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (if estate is the beneficiary)
- Trust documentation (if a trust is the beneficiary)
- Inherited account application for beneficiaries receiving assets
4
Submit all documents through your Avantax advisor or by mail to the clearing firm
5
Processing and distribution:
- Clearing firm reviews documents for completeness
- Assets distributed to named beneficiaries or estate as directed
- Inherited IRA accounts opened for eligible beneficiaries
- Tax reporting documents (1099) issued for the year of distribution
Required Documents
- Certified copy of the death certificate (original or certified copy; obtain multiple copies)
- Death claim / estate settlement form
- Government-issued photo ID for claimant
- Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (if estate is beneficiary or no named beneficiary exists)
- Trust agreement or Certificate of Trust (if trust is named beneficiary)
- Inherited account application for beneficiaries
- IRS Form W-9 for each beneficiary
- State estate or inheritance tax waiver (if required by the decedent's state)
- Small estate affidavit (for accounts below state threshold, if applicable)
Avantax accounts are held at Pershing (BNY) or National Financial Services (Fidelity), and death claim processing is handled through the applicable clearing firm. Your Avantax advisor coordinates the process and submits documentation on your behalf. For annuity and life insurance claims, contact the issuing insurance carrier directly, as those claims follow the carrier's process, not Avantax's. Tax withholding may apply to distributions from retirement accounts.
How long the process takes at Avantax: 2-4 weeks once all documents received in good order; complex estates may take longer. The most common reason for delays is missing or incomplete documentation, so submitting everything upfront is the best way to keep things moving.
Avantax requires several documents to process a claim, including Certified copy of the death certificate (original or certified copy; obtain multiple copies), Death claim / estate settlement form, and Government-issued photo ID for claimant, and additional documentation depending on the account type. Certified copies are typically needed—photocopies are generally not accepted for death certificates or court documents.
Frequently asked questions
Contact your Avantax financial advisor to request the appropriate beneficiary designation form. For brokerage and advisory accounts, complete a Transfer on Death (TOD) Beneficiary Designation Form. For IRA accounts, complete an IRA Beneficiary Designation Form. Forms must be submitted in writing through your advisor or by mail. Beneficiary changes cannot be made by phone.
Contact your Avantax financial advisor or call Cetera Wealth Services at 888-406-5444 to report the death of an account holder. The advisor or service team will freeze the account and provide the required claim forms. You will need a certified copy of the death certificate, government-issued ID for the beneficiary, and, if applicable, trust documents or Letters Testamentary. All documents are submitted through your advisor or by mail to the clearing firm (Pershing or NFS). Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks after all documents are received in good order.
Avantax's Death Claims (via your Avantax advisor or Cetera Wealth Services) can be reached by phone at 888-406-5444 for questions throughout the claims process.
When the deceased had multiple Avantax investment accounts, some may need separate claims while others can be handled together. The Estate Services (via your Avantax advisor) can clarify what's needed for each account type.
Cetera Wealth Services Client Support
Phone888-406-5444
Mailing Address
3200 Olympus Blvd., Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75019
WebsiteLearn more→
Estate Services (via your Avantax advisor)
Phone888-406-5444
Mailing Address
3200 Olympus Blvd., Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75019
Death Claims (via your Avantax advisor or Cetera Wealth Services)
Phone888-406-5444
Mailing Address
3200 Olympus Blvd., Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75019
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Apr 2026
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