Missing retirement-account records after death

An old statement may identify only part of the story. Former employers, recordkeepers, and tax returns can provide leads without making a current balance or beneficiary status certain.

Write down each source, account reference, and unanswered item rather than filling gaps from memory.

Build the account file

Write down each source, account reference, and unanswered item rather than filling gaps from memory.

• old statements or tax returns
• employer history
• death certificate and authority documents

What to gather

• old statements or tax returns
• employer history
• death certificate and authority documents

Who usually handles what

• Ian can organize the tax reporting questions and records for this situation.

A practical next step

Build a contact list for every possible custodian.

Related guides

• Final income tax return after death

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.

Back to Retirement accounts · Ian Bryzek