How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at Avantax
Covers 5 investment, 5 retirement, and 3 insurance accounts — beneficiaries must be updated in-branch
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
There are two ways to keep your Avantax investment accounts out of probate: adding beneficiary designations and retitling eligible accounts into a revocable living trust. Which approach works best depends on the account type and your overall estate plan.
With 13 product types, Avantax offers a range of transfer options. Some investment accounts support Transfer on Death (TOD) designations, others can be retitled into a trust, and some require probate if no beneficiary is designated. The sections below break down each step.
Avantax Brokerage AccountJoint Brokerage AccountAvantax Advisory AccountAvantax Wrap Fee Program529 College Savings Plan
1
Schedule a meeting with your Avantax financial advisor
2
Bring government-issued photo ID
3
Complete the appropriate beneficiary designation form with your advisor
4
Advisor submits the form to the clearing firm (Pershing or NFS) for processing
5
Confirmation statement mailed after processing
Required Documents
- Trust name, date established, and tax ID (EIN or SSN)
Special Requirements
- Beneficiary changes must be submitted through your Avantax advisor or in writing
- Beneficiary designations cannot be made by phone
- Spousal consent may be required in community property states (AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI)
- Named beneficiaries on accounts override provisions in a will
- Annuity and life insurance beneficiary changes are handled by the issuing carrier, not Avantax directly
- For trusts as IRA beneficiary, consult a tax advisor regarding SECURE Act implications
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
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your Avantax accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
