Ian Bryzek, CPA
How do you handle missing brokerage statements after death?
Missing statements are a custodian-archive problem first. Request official replacements and log every attempt.
Beneficiary online access may show current positions while omitting the death-date history you need.
Negative responses still belong in the file.
What to keep with the file
Negative responses still belong in the file.
What to do next
Send dated archive requests to every custodian before reconstructing activity from memory.
What to gather
- List of missing periods
- Custodian archive requests
- Any partial PDFs recovered
- Alternate evidence such as trade emails
- Search log
Who usually handles what
- Ian can organize the tax reporting question and the supporting records.
- The executor, trustee, or account custodian supplies records and confirms who has authority to act.
A practical next step
Send dated archive requests to every custodian before reconstructing activity from memory.
Related guides
This is general tax information, not tax or legal advice. Outcomes depend on the documents, ownership, timing, and law that apply to the particular facts.