Last verified 2026-09-05; facts checked against the primary sources below

American Century accounts after death: request the right packet

Last verified: September 5, 2026

The short answer: Call American Century at 800-345-2021 and explain that the transfer follows an investor's death. Its Transfer of Ownership form specifically directs death-related requests to phone support for the appropriate paperwork rather than having the claimant select an unrelated transfer situation.

Which contact should you use?

Have the latest statement available so the representative can identify the account and share class. Ask which team handles an IRA, taxable account, trust, or workplace plan.

Why not use the first ownership-change form you find?

The form explicitly excludes 403(b), 457(b), and business-account transfers and directs those situations to a different form. Death-related transfers also require a call. A form for a gift, divorce, or change of registration can request signatures that do not match a survivor's authority.

American Century's forms directory separates general investing, retirement, brokerage, and business retirement materials. Use the packet selected for the specific registration.

What should you ask during the call?

Ask which death certificate and authority documents are needed, who signs, whether a signature guarantee applies, and whether a new receiving account will be opened. Confirm whether the holdings will transfer as shares or cash and what cost-basis or tax records will follow.

Record the case reference and each required form before sending documents. The public general-transfer form does not establish a universal death-claim checklist or completion time.

Where should you look next?

For separate mutual-fund accounts, see T. Rowe Price inheritance forms. Use the institution comparison for known accounts and the account finder for additional leads.

American Century's account-specific instructions determine the proper paperwork and transfer route.