What to do when a Stifel account holder dies
Report the death to Stifel at 1-800-679-5446
When an account holder at Stifel passes away, the next step depends on how the investment accounts were set up. Accounts with beneficiary designations or trust ownership transfer outside of probate. Accounts titled solely in the deceased's name require the estate's legal representative to work with Stifel Trust Company, N.A. to access and distribute the funds.
Begin by calling Stifel. You will need the deceased's full name, account numbers, and the death certificate to get the process started.
Death claim process
Here is the step-by-step death claim process at Stifel:
Filing a claim
- The Account Agreement states that the account holder's estate is required to give Stifel written notice of the death.
- Contact the decedent's Stifel Financial Advisor, or Stifel Support at (800) 679-5446 or (314) 342-2255 (Monday-Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT).
Required Documents
- TOD Transfer Request Form, for a TOD accountSworn and notarized, from every Designated Beneficiary.
- Proof of death of the account holder, and of any nonsurviving Designated BeneficiaryIn a form and substance acceptable to Stifel.
- Inheritance tax waiver, from states that require it
- Certified copy of the court order appointing the legal representative, when a legal representative completes the form
- Copy of the power of attorney, when an agent or attorney-in-fact completes the form
- Death certificate, for an IRA
- Self-Directed IRA Withdrawal Statement, for an IRA
- Other information, written representations and proof of entitlement, if Stifel asks for themStifel may require what it reasonably believes necessary.
Forms Stifel issues1
- TOD Transfer Request Form
Completed by every Designated Beneficiary receiving assets. Sent by the institution on request. Must be notarized.1
What happens to each kind of account3
- Payable-on-death account
On a TOD account, Stifel distributes nothing until it has a completed, notarized form from every eligible Designated Beneficiary. Securities and cash are divided in kind proportionately; any other division must be agreed by all Designated Beneficiaries on the form.1
A beneficiary who cannot be located or does not return a completed form within one year of the death may be treated as having predeceased the account holder. When a trust is a Designated Beneficiary, Stifel may rely on written notice from the court-appointed personal representative identifying the trustee.1
- Investment account
Before transfer, Stifel may liquidate fractional shares, close option positions, and require repayment of any margin or other debit balance.1
- IRA
Under the IRA Check Writing Agreement, a Beneficiary IRA, a death certificate and a Self-Directed IRA Withdrawal Statement are required.1
What Stifel's agreement and guidance say3
- Telling the institution
The Account Agreement states that the account holder's estate is required to give Stifel written notice of the death.1
- What it says about taxes
Transactions after the death but before Stifel is notified are reported under the decedent's Social Security number.1
- Fees
Stifel charges $75 per beneficiary at distribution of a TOD account.1
Sources1
Sources
Data sourced from Stifel primary sources (30 pages reviewed). How we research.
Stifel death claims support
Stifel Support (historical document requests, account information, and general inquiries)
Phone
Toll-free
Hours
Mailing address
Website
Death notifications go through general customer service.
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