{"type":"document","data":{"complementaryZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"cards"},{"cards":[{"body":"Read the article","cardSize":"medium","cardType":"article","componentType":"articleCard","date":"2026-05-20","image":{"extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/1edecf2d45b5bc02/original/decease-notification-1920.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/ef946327-a075-4e82-8200-304e18bccb2e/decease-notification-1920","type":"image","width":1920},"link":{"url":"/en/individuals/my-life/tough-times/decease-notification"},"title":"Death: First steps"},{"body":"Read the 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article","cardSize":"medium","cardType":"article","componentType":"articleCard","date":"2026-05-20","image":{"extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/242f19b513c440bf/original/decease-inheritance-tax-1920.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/e26b23c7-19fb-4994-a535-3e63bac81ca5/decease-inheritance-tax-1920","type":"image","width":1920},"link":{"url":"/en/individuals/my-life/tough-times/decease-inheritance-tax"},"title":"Death: Inheritance tax declaration"}],"componentType":"cards"}]},"contentType":"onecms:editorialPage","flexPageMetadata":{"afmBanner":false,"description":"In order to release the estate's accounts, the status of the heir should be proved by presenting an inheritance certificate or deed..","robotInstruction":{"noFollow":false,"noIndex":false}},"flexZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"ING prepares a tax inventory"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>ING must prepare a tax inventory or tax list and send it to the tax authorities.</p><p>This document lists:</p><ul><li>all accounts and investments</li><li>the corresponding balances at the time of death</li><li>including those of the spouse (if applicable)</li></ul><p>The situation is recorded at 00:00 on the day of death.</p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"You provide proof of inheritance"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>We also need a document confirming who the heirs are.<br />This can be:</p><ul><li>a European Certificate of Succession (for international cases)</li><li>an inheritance deed or certificate from a notary</li><li>a certificate of inheritance from a Legal Security Office (free of charge)</li></ul><p>This document may take several weeks to obtain.</p><p>The assets can only be released if this document confirms that:</p><ul><li>there are no tax or social debts</li><li>or that these debts have been fully paid</li></ul>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Special situations"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>In some situations, part of the funds can be released earlier.</p><p>If you were married under a separation of property regime:</p><ul><li>Accounts in the sole name of the surviving spouse can be released</li><li>This happens once:<ul><li>ING has sent the tax inventory</li><li>and the regime has been confirmed</li></ul></li></ul><p>A notary can help you with this.</p><p><span><span><span> </span></span></span></p>"},"title":"Faster release in specific cases"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>The surviving spouse can request a separate settlement of the matrimonial property regime.</p><p>This is handled by a notary.</p>"},"title":"Settlement of the matrimonial regime"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p> </p><p>Once both steps are completed, we can release the assets.</p><p>We will need:</p><ul><li>instructions from the heirs</li><li>a guarantee certificate, if heirs live outside the European Economic Area</li></ul>"},"title":"Releasing accounts"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Safe deposit boxes"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>Opening a safe deposit box follows a legal procedure.</p><p>What happens:</p><ul><li>An official inventory is drawn up (by a notary or ING, in the presence of the heirs)</li><li>All heirs are invited</li><li>The tax authorities are also invited (but may not attend)</li></ul><p>Everyone present signs the inventory.</p><p>The contents are then distributed according to the heirs’ instructions.</p>"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<ul><li>The will is sent to the notary</li><li>The rest of the contents is placed back in the safe</li></ul>"},"title":"Special case: will in the safe"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>If:</p><ul><li>the safe is in the sole name of the surviving spouse</li><li>and there is a separation of property</li></ul><p>The inventory can be made with the spouse alone (other heirs are not invited).</p>"},"title":"Special case: safe in spouse’s name"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Insurance"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>Some insurance policies may pay out after a death, for example:</p><ul><li>life insurance</li><li>death insurance</li><li>group insurance</li><li>remaining balance insurance</li></ul><p>Contact the insurer (or employer) to find out the next steps.</p><p>In most cases, inheritance tax is due on these amounts.</p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Survivor’s pension"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>The surviving spouse may be entitled to a survivor’s pension.</p><p>This is calculated based on the career of the deceased.</p><p>More information is available on the website of the Federal Pensions Service.</p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Questions?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<ul><li>Chat with Ida (in the ING Banking app, under “Services”)</li><li>Or read our brochure</li></ul>"},"textLinks":[{"text":"'Inheritance: all you need to know'","url":"https://assets.ing.com/m/7f5f2a6636523440/BrochureNalatenschapEN.pdf"}]}]},"hasMacro":false,"id":"21d8726d-4efa-41e9-b6dd-07b82bf62fc9","localeString":"en-GB","mainHeaderZone":{"backLink":{"textLink":{"text":"Tough times","url":"/en/individuals/my-life/tough-times"}},"componentType":"editorialHeader","coreHeader":{"subtitle":"To release the assets, two steps are required.","title":"Death: Releasing funds after a death"},"date":"2026-05-20","readingTime":4},"publishDate":"2026-05-20T15:45:23.527+02:00"}}