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
Brand change
Cetera Holdings completed its acquisition of Avantax on November 27, 2023. Cetera retained the Avantax brand, legal entities (Avantax Investment Services, Inc. and Avantax Planning Partners, Inc.), core technology, product lineup, and clearing/custody relationships. Avantax now operates as "Avantax by Cetera," a distinct community within Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. Existing account numbers, statements, and the AdviceWorks client portal continue unchanged; account servicing, beneficiary changes, and death claims run through the assigned Avantax financial professional and the applicable clearing firm. Effective November 2023.
The procedures below reflect Avantax's accounts. Account servicing may transfer as the change takes effect.
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 Jul 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
Sources
Data sourced from Avantax primary sources (17 pages reviewed). How we research.
Download these Avantax instructions
Download instructions for the whole estateA printable PDF with the steps, required documents, and contact details — verified against Avantax primary sources. Bring it to the branch or keep it beside the phone.
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 Jul 2026
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your Avantax accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
