Yep. A few years back I actually worked in that very Department of a very large Chicago bank. I read the Death Notices in the papers every single day and then paid a visit to the Vault to seal the Safe Deposit boxes. I was then required to notify, in writing, the IRS as well as anyone else on the holders record.
It was actually a bank Vice President who told me to never put anything other than jewelry and important papers into a box. Jewelry was exempt, gold or silver coinage was not.
Do not use bank Safe Deposit boxes for anything other than paperwork or jewelry.
Ever.
As you know about such things, does the govt get to look in the box upon death, if the box is held jointly with a still living person? I was under the impression that they couldn’t.
Good thing papers is all that’s in mine.