Most states have laws that require people who own stock to name someone who will get the shares when the owner dies. With the transfer on death (TOD) registration, the stock can be given to the beneficiaries without having to go through the probate process. Each company that sells stock on the market is given a transfer agent. The transfer agent’s job is to get all of the beneficiary information and make sure the deceased person’s stock goes to the right person.
You should get copies of the person’s death certificate.
Get in touch with the company that gave out the stock’s transfer agent. Use a website like TAdirectory.com to find the transfer agent, or call the broker of the person who died and ask for the contact information of the transfer agent. Check your mutual fund financial statements here.
Tell the transfer agent that you are the person who will get the stock shares of a person who has died. Ask for a form to re-register. The transfer agent will send you a form that you need to fill out so that the stock is re-registered in your name. The transfer agent will also tell you what other documents are needed to complete the transfer, such as Form W-9 (a tax certification form) and an inheritance tax waiver form.
Fill out and send all of the forms to the transfer agent. The transfer agent takes care of your information and makes sure that all changes in stock ownership go smoothly.
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