First, the personal representative should contact the Internal Revenue Service and obtain a tax identification number for the estate, called an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The telephone number is 800-829-4933. Then the personal representative should take that number, a copy of the order appointing personal representative, an original of the letters of administration, the decedent’s death certificate, and the check or cash that needs to be deposited to the bank of his or her choosing. The personal representative can then open an account titled "Estate of ____________, your name, Personal Representative." It is best to open an account that returns cancelled checks or provides copies with the bank account statements, so it will be easier to keep records of all transactions. The bank account statements and canceled checks will be needed to prepare the account filed with the Court in supervised probate estates.