Reporting the Death of an Account Owner

Losing a loved one is extremely difficult, but we are here to help.

Follow these steps to begin the transfer of ownership to the designated survivor:

1
Gather information

You will need to provide some basic information about the account owner and a copy of their death certificate. A copy of a government issued ID, Social Security Card or other personal documents may be requested for the designated survivor.
2
Complete the appropriate paperwork

In most cases, you will need to submit the Transfer Account Upon the Death of an Account Owner form. If the account was set up as a Trust, you will need to submit the Report Death of a Trustee form.
3
Notify Virginia529

When you’re ready, let us know. Our dedicated team of associates are ready to help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if another individual listed on the account passes away?

When an individual other than the account owner passes away, the account owner may change the individual on the account by completing the appropriate form and required documentation:

Authorized Individual – Complete and submit the Account Access Authorization Form to remove/change the authorized individual on the account
Designated Survivor – Complete and submit the Designated Survivor Form to change the designated survivor on the account.
Custodian – Complete and submit the Transfer Account Upon Death of an Account Owner Form along with a copy of the death certificate.

If the beneficiary (student) on the account passes away, the account owner may either:

Change the student on the account by completing and submitting the Beneficiary Change Form.
Withdraw the funds, subject to federal income tax on the earnings and state income tax for Virginia taxpayers. Non-Qualified Withdrawals due to a student’s death will not be subject to the 10% federal penalty on earnings. It is up to the account owner to provide this documentation and talk to their tax advisor.

How long will it take to update the account ownership?

The update can take up to 30 days after the required documentation is received. The new account owner will receive written notification of the update via mail.

I don’t have all the information you are requesting. What should I do?

Please send a copy of the account owner’s death certificate and complete as much of the information on the form as you know.

There is no Designated Survivor listed on the account. Who will become the new owner?

When a Virginia529 account owner passes away, ownership automatically transfers to the designated survivor named on the account. If a valid designated survivor is not named, Virginia529 reserves the right to designate the account beneficiary (student) as the new account owner if the student is over the age of 18. If the student is under the age of 18, Virginia529 may set up a custodial account (under the UTMA) for the benefit of the student and designate a custodian to manage the account until the student reaches the age of 18. Per the Prepaid529 and Invest529 Program Descriptions, Virginia529 may consult take the suggestion of the executor or representative of the deceased account owner’s estate when naming a custodian for a student.

If both the account owner and designated survivor have passed away, complete and submit the Transfer Account Upon Death of an Account Owner Form along with a copy of the death certificates.

See all FAQs

When you are ready, submit the appropriate form:

Transfer Account Upon Death of an Account Owner

Report the death of an account owner and request a transfer of the account to another individual

Download (PDF)

Report Death of a Trustee

Report the death of a trustee and request an update of the account to the successor trustee (used in the case of an account held in trust)