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.
I can tell you what the procedure was back in the mid-80's. I have no idea what the current rules are.
Upon receiving notification of the death of a box holder I went to the vault, notified the Supervisor, and watched while the box was 'sealed'. Basically they stuck something that said "Sealed" into the keyhole.
I then checked the holders information card (yes it was a paper 3X5 card back in those days) and if there was a co-holder on it they got a copy of the letter I generated to the IRS.
My responsibility ended there. I can give you no further information as to what happened then or as to what may happen now.
Sorry. Wish I could be of more service to you.