How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at Franklin Templeton
Covers 4 investment, and 5 retirement accounts — beneficiaries can be updated by phone
Franklin Templeton Investor Services
Phone(800) 632-2301
Fax1-855-891-8377
Mailing Address
Franklin Templeton Investor Services, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
Retirement Account Services
WebsiteLearn more→
Shareholder Services -- Decedent Account Support
Phone(800) 632-2301
Fax1-855-891-8377
Mailing Address
Franklin Templeton Investor Services, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
Retirement Account Services
West Coast Mailing (alternative)
WebsiteLearn more→
Shareholder Services -- Decedent Account Support
Phone(800) 632-2301
Fax1-855-891-8377
Mailing Address
Franklin Templeton Investor Services, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Apr 2026
Preparing your Franklin Templeton investment accounts for estate transfer involves two primary strategies: designating beneficiaries on individual accounts and, where supported, retitling accounts into a revocable living trust. Both approaches bypass probate, but they work differently depending on the account type.
The transfer rules at Franklin Templeton vary across 9 investment accounts. Below is a breakdown of beneficiary options, trust funding, and which products support each method.
Mutual FundsExchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs)529 College Savings Plan
1
Call Franklin Templeton Investor Services:
- (800) 527-2020 for retirement accounts
- (800) 632-2301 for general account services
2
Request the appropriate beneficiary designation form for your account type
3
A representative can walk you through form requirements and mailing instructions
4
Complete and return the form by email, fax, or mail as instructed
Required Documents
- Trust name, date established, and tax ID (EIN or SSN)
Special Requirements
- Email submissions must come from an email address on file with Franklin Templeton that has not changed within the last 15 days
- When naming a trust as an IRA beneficiary, a copy of the trust agreement pages (title page, trustee designation page, and signature page) must be included
- The TOD Registration Form cannot be used for IRA or other retirement plan accounts -- use the Designation of Beneficiary Form (RRET-FBEN) instead
- Community property state residents designating a non-spouse IRA beneficiary may require spousal consent
Franklin Templeton Investor Services
Phone(800) 632-2301
Fax1-855-891-8377
Mailing Address
Franklin Templeton Investor Services, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
Retirement Account Services
WebsiteLearn more→
Shareholder Services -- Decedent Account Support
Phone(800) 632-2301
Fax1-855-891-8377
Mailing Address
Franklin Templeton Investor Services, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
Retirement Account Services
West Coast Mailing (alternative)
WebsiteLearn more→
Shareholder Services -- Decedent Account Support
Phone(800) 632-2301
Fax1-855-891-8377
Mailing Address
Franklin Templeton Investor Services, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Apr 2026
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your Franklin Templeton accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
