Overview
Dealing with a loved one's financial affairs is never easy. This guide walks you through how to settle their Thndr US account — covering stocks, ETFs, and Wallet balance — in a way that protects every heir's rightful share.
Step 1: Gather documents and notify Thndr
The first step is collecting the required legal documents. Once you have them, contact Thndr support through in-app chat and attach all documents to your message.
Required documents:
Inheritor's passport – valid copy
The deceased's passport – valid copy
Death certificate – official copy
Decree of distribution – official inheritance document
Note: Documents not in English may require a certified English translation before they can be accepted.
Once you reach out with these documents, our team will verify them and open a formal case to guide you through the rest of the process.
Step 2: Account setup for the inheritor
After Thndr verifies your documents, a new Thndr account is opened in the inheritor's name to receive the inherited assets. The inheritor does not need to fund the account — it is created solely to hold and manage the transferred assets.
Important: Each inheritor must have their own separate Thndr account. Assets cannot be received through the deceased's account.
Step 3: Inheriting Stocks on Alpaca
When someone who has an Alpaca account passes away, their investments can be transferred to their heirs. Alpaca follows the rules of FINRA and the SEC to make sure everything is done legally and safely.
1-Notify Alpaca
The heirs or executor (the person managing the estate) should email [email protected].
• The email should include:
• The full name of the deceased
• Their account details
• A short explanation of what happened
This step tells Alpaca officially that the account holder has passed away.
2-Send the Required Documents
Alpaca will ask for a few legal documents to confirm the case and verify who can act on behalf of the deceased:
• Death Certificate – proves the person has passed away
• Letter of Testamentary or court order – shows that the executor has legal authority
• Inheritance documents – like a Will, Trust, or court decision on how to divide the assets
• Government ID – of the heir or executor
Alpaca reviews these documents before making any transfers or payments.
3-Transfer or Sell the Assets
Once Alpaca checks and approves the documents, one of two things happens:
Transfer
• If the heir already has an Alpaca account, the shares are moved directly into their account.
• They can then keep, trade, or sell the shares whenever they want.
Sell
• If the heir does not have an Alpaca account, Alpaca will sell the shares and send the money to the heirs or executor.
• After this, the original account is closed.
Legal and Tax Notes
• The value of the shares at the date of death becomes the new base value for tax purposes.
• If the heirs later sell these shares, they may have to pay capital gains tax depending on how much the value has changed.
• It’s best for heirs to speak with a lawyer or tax advisor to make sure everything is done correctly.
This helps avoid any legal or tax problems later on.
Legal & Tax Notes (Simplified)
• When someone dies, the stock value on that day becomes the new starting price for tax purposes.
• Example: Bought at $50, worth $100 on death → heir’s base is $100.
• If later sold at $120, tax applies only on $20 profit.
• This prevents heirs from paying tax on gains made before inheritance.
• If they sell later at a higher price, they may owe capital gains tax on the difference.
• Always consult a tax or legal advisor to handle documents and taxes correctly.
FAQs
What if a family member already has access to the deceased's account?
Accessing the deceased's Thndr account to place orders, withdraw funds, or make transfers before the formal settlement process is complete can lead to serious legal complications. If someone in your family has access to the account, contact Thndr support immediately via in-app chat so the team can secure the account and protect the assets until the legal handover is finalized.
How long does the settlement process take?
The settlement process typically takes several weeks from the time all required documents are verified. The exact timeline depends on third parties involved in the transfer and is outside Thndr's direct control.
Are there fees for settling an inherited account?
Thndr does not charge inheritance-specific fees to settle a deceased family member's account. Standard transfer or wire fees may apply depending on the type of transaction involved.
Are there tax implications for inheriting US stocks?
If an account holder passes away, the heir or estate representative should contact Alpaca with the account details, a death certificate, and documents showing who is legally entitled to the assets. Alpaca will review the case, restrict the account during review, and distribute or transfer the assets once the paperwork is approved. For non-U.S. holders, U.S. estate tax may apply to U.S. securities—often with a $60,000 filing threshold under IRS rules—and home-country taxes may also apply. We recommend speaking with a qualified tax or estate advisor, as we cannot provide tax or legal advice.
How do I contact Thndr support in the case of a deceased family member?
To reach Thndr support regarding a deceased family member's account, open the Thndr app and use in-app chat. Attach all required documents to your message and make sure you are reaching out from your own verified Thndr account, not the deceased's.