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
Franklin Templeton Investor Services, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
Shareholder Services -- Decedent Account Support
Franklin Templeton Investor Services, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
Shareholder Services -- Decedent Account Support
Franklin Templeton Investor Services, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
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.
- (800) 527-2020 for retirement accounts
- (800) 632-2301 for general account services
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
Sources
Data sourced from Franklin Templeton primary sources (23 pages reviewed). How we research.
Download these Franklin Templeton instructions
Download instructions for the whole estateA printable PDF with the steps, required documents, and contact details — verified against Franklin Templeton primary sources. Bring it to the branch or keep it beside the phone.
Franklin Templeton Investor Services
Franklin Templeton Investor Services, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
Shareholder Services -- Decedent Account Support
Franklin Templeton Investor Services, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
Shareholder Services -- Decedent Account Support
Franklin Templeton Investor Services, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your Franklin Templeton accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
New Baby or Adoption
Your family is growing. Your protection should too. Guardian nominations, trusts for minors, beneficiary updates, and the documents new parents need in place.
Learn more
Marriage
What married couples need in place: one joint trust or two, wills, beneficiary updates, and the spousal rights your state grants you automatically.
Learn more
New Home
How to put your house in a revocable trust: the deed you record, what it does to your mortgage and property taxes, and when a TOD deed is simpler.
Learn more
Retirement
Retirement changes your financial picture. Healthcare directives, beneficiary reviews, long-term care planning, and protecting what you've built.
Learn moreMore estate planning resources
Explore related tools and documents to complete your estate plan.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state. See if the estate qualifies for simplified probate procedures.
Who Inherits Without a Will?
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?
Calculate federal estate tax, state estate tax (12 states + DC), and inheritance tax (5 states) for an estate or trust.
What Does Estate Planning Actually Cost?
See the true cost of estate planning. Compare SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys including life events like marriage, divorce, and having children.
How Much Does a Revocable Living Trust Cost?
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
How Much Does a Will Cost?
Compare the cost of creating a will. See document costs plus probate fees your heirs will pay. Compare SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys.
