Transfer on Death (TOD) Account Registration Template

What Is the Transfer on Death Account Registration?

A transfer on death account registration is a beneficiary designation form that instructs your financial institution to transfer account ownership to named individuals immediately upon your death. The account avoids probate, reduces administrative costs, and provides beneficiaries with quick access to inherited funds.

You retain absolute control while alive. Beneficiaries have no rights to the account, cannot access information, and cannot prevent you from spending, withdrawing, or closing the account. The designation only takes effect at death, when assets transfer automatically without court involvement or executor approval.

 

 

Is This Transfer on Death Account Registration Right for You?

You need this registration if you're:

• Looking to avoid probate for your financial accounts
• Wanting beneficiaries to access funds immediately after your death
• Holding accounts at banks or brokerages that accept TOD designations
• Planning to name specific people to inherit particular accounts
• Seeking to reduce estate administration costs and delays
• Coordinating beneficiary designations across multiple accounts

You definitely need this registration if:

• Your state's probate process takes 6-18 months to distribute assets
• You want surviving family to access emergency funds quickly
• Your estate would pay high probate fees on these accounts
• You have accounts worth $50,000 or more to transfer
• Your beneficiaries would struggle without immediate fund access

 

 

Why Thousands Trust Legal GPS Templates

Save Money. Estate attorneys charge $200-$500 per account for TOD registration assistance. Get the same legal protection for $35 total.

Save Time. Complete your registration in 30 minutes. No appointments, no office visits, no waiting for attorney drafts.

Look Professional. Financial institutions recognize and accept attorney-drafted TOD language. Proper legal terminology ensures smooth processing at death.

Keeps You Out of Court. The Owner's Rights During Lifetime provisions protect your complete control while alive. The Transfer Upon Death section creates automatic transfer without probate. The Claims and Liabilities article addresses estate debt obligations clearly.

 

 

 

Get Protected in 3 Simple Steps

Step 1: Secure Checkout. Purchase securely through our encrypted payment system. Immediate download access to your editable TOD registration template.

Step 2: Instant Download. Receive your transfer on death registration as a Word-compatible document. Open in any word processor and begin customizing immediately.

Step 3: Fill In the Highlighted Fields. Enter your account details and beneficiary information. Choose your distribution method and contingent beneficiaries. Submit to your financial institution for registration.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this template multiple times?

Yes. Use it for every bank account, brokerage account, or certificate of deposit you want to transfer via TOD designation.

Is this contract legally binding?

Yes, when accepted by your financial institution. TOD registrations are governed by state law and recognized by all major banks and brokerages.

Does TOD registration work in all states?

Nearly all states recognize TOD designations for securities and bank accounts. A few states have specific requirements or limitations. Contact your financial institution to confirm they accept TOD registrations.

What's the difference between TOD and POD designations?

They function identically. POD typically refers to bank accounts while TOD typically refers to securities accounts. Some states use the terms interchangeably. Both avoid probate.

Can I change beneficiaries after filing this registration?

Yes. TOD designations are fully revocable. Submit a new registration form to your institution anytime to change beneficiaries. No beneficiary consent required.

Do TOD accounts avoid estate taxes?

No. TOD accounts avoid probate but are still counted in your taxable estate. However, beneficiaries receive a stepped-up basis for income tax purposes as of your date of death.