Ohio § 5731.39
Full text of Ohio Ohio Revised Code § 5731.39, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5731.39.
This section does not apply to, and the written permission of the tax commissioner
is not required for asset transfers with respect to, decedents dying on or after January
1, 2013. (A) No corporation organized or existing under the laws of this state shall transfer
on its books or issue a new certificate for any share of its capital stock registered
in the name of a decedent, or in trust for a decedent, or in the name of a decedent
and another person or persons, without the written consent of the tax commissioner. (B) No safe deposit company, trust company, financial institution as defined in division (A) of section 5725.01 of the Revised Code , or other corporation or person, having in possession, control, or custody a deposit
standing in the name of a decedent, or in trust for a decedent, or in the name of
a decedent and another person or persons, shall deliver or transfer an amount in excess
of three-fourths of the total value of such deposit, including accrued interest and
dividends, as of the date of decedent's death, without the written consent of the
tax commissioner. The written consent of the tax commissioner need not be obtained prior to the delivery
or transfer of amounts having a value of three-fourths or less of said total value. (C) No life insurance company shall pay the proceeds of an annuity or matured endowment
contract, or of a life insurance contract payable to the estate of a decedent, or
of any other insurance contract taxable under Chapter 5731. of the Revised Code, without
the written consent of the tax commissioner. Any life insurance company may pay the proceeds of any insurance contract not specified
in this division (C) without the written consent of the tax commissioner. (D) No trust company or other corporation or person shall pay the proceeds of any death
benefit, retirement, pension, or profit-sharing plan in excess of two thousand dollars,
without the written consent of the tax commissioner. Such trust company or other corporation or person, however, may pay the proceeds
of any death benefit, retirement, pension, or profit-sharing plan which consists of
insurance on the life of the decedent payable to a beneficiary other than the estate
of the insured without the written consent of the tax commissioner. (E) No safe deposit company, trust company, financial institution as defined in division (A) of section 5725.01 of the Revised Code , or other corporation or person, having in possession, control, or custody securities,
assets, or other property (including the shares of the capital stock of, or other
interest in, such safe deposit company, trust company, financial institution as defined
in division (A) of section 5725.01 of the Revised Code , or other corporation), standing in the name of a decedent, or in trust for a decedent,
or in the name of a decedent and another person or persons, and the transfer of which
is taxable under Chapter 5731. of the Revised Code, shall deliver or transfer any
such securities, assets, or other property which have a value as of the date of decedent's
death in excess of three-fourths of the total value thereof, without the written consent
of the tax commissioner. The written consent of the tax commissioner need not be obtained prior to the delivery
or transfer of any such securities, assets, or other property having a value of three-fourths
or less of said total value. (F) No safe deposit company, financial institution as defined in division (A) of section 5725.01 of the Revised Code , or other corporation or person having possession or control of a safe deposit box
or similar receptacle standing in the name of a decedent or in the name of the decedent
and another person or persons, or to which the decedent had a right of access, except
when such safe deposit box or other receptacle stands in the name of a corporation
or partnership, or in the name of the decedent as guardian or executor, shall deliver
any of the contents thereof unless the safe deposit box or similar receptacle has
been opened and inventoried in the presence of the tax commissioner or the commissioner's
agent, and a written consent to transfer issued; provided, however, that a safe deposit
company, financial institution, or other corporation or person having possession or
control of a safe deposit box may deliver wills, deeds to burial lots, and insurance
policies to a representative of the decedent, but that a representative of the safe
deposit company, financial institution, or other corporation or person must supervise
the opening of the box and make a written record of the wills, deeds, and policies
removed. Such written record shall be included in the tax commissioner's inventory records. (G) Notwithstanding any provision of this section: (1) The tax commissioner may authorize any delivery or transfer or waive any of the foregoing
requirements under such terms and conditions as the commissioner may prescribe; (2) A home, as defined in section 3721.10 of the Revised Code , or a residential facility licensed under section 5119.34 of the Revised Code that provides accommodations, supervision, and personal care services for three to
sixteen unrelated adults, may transfer or use the money in a personal needs allowance
account in accordance with section 5162.22 of the Revised Code without the written consent of the tax commissioner, and without the account having
been opened and inventoried in the presence of the commissioner or the commissioner's
agent. Failure to comply with this section shall render such safe deposit company, trust
company, life insurance company, financial institution as defined in division (A) of section 5725.01 of the Revised Code , or other corporation or person liable for the amount of the taxes and interest due
under the provisions of Chapter 5731. of the Revised Code on the transfer of such
stock, deposit, proceeds of an annuity or matured endowment contract or of a life
insurance contract payable to the estate of a decedent, or other insurance contract
taxable under Chapter 5731. of the Revised Code, proceeds of any death benefit, retirement,
pension, or profit-sharing plan in excess of two thousand dollars, or securities,
assets, or other property of any resident decedent, and in addition thereto, to a
penalty of not less than five hundred or more than five thousand dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio § 5731.39
What does Ohio Revised Code § 5731.39 cover?
Section 5731.39 is part of the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutory law of Ohio. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Ohio § 5731.39?
A common citation format is "Ohio Revised Code § 5731.39" (Ohio). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Ohio law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Ohio official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Ohio attorney.
How does Ohio § 5731.39 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Ohio can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Ohio.