My mother passed away in 2019. Her estate was closed in 2019 and final taxes filed (I was the executor). A forgotten savings account was discovered with the receipt of a 2023 interest statement. I am a co-heirs with two siblings. There is no joint holder on the account nor are there beneficiaries. The bank said there must be an active estate to even discuss the account, let alone get access to it. I believe the cost to reopen the estate will far exceed the funds in the account and I don't want to take that financial loss. Is it a requirement to reopen the estate? If not, what is to be done with the 1099 INT? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
