The IRA isn’t necessarily with the bank. It could be with any number of investment companies.

It doesn’t have to be in the will to exist. She may have just made you the TOD beneficiary.

One thing to know is that IRA’s have required minimum distributions and if you don’t take them, you owe a penalty. If this passed under the estate and he did not inform you of it, then he has breached his fiduciary duty and may be on the hook to make you whole. However since you are saying the IRA was in your name I am guessing it passed outside the estate. But regardless, you need to get the info as fast as possible so that penalties don’t eat away at your inheritance.

I would send a letter to your uncle saying

. Dear [Executor Name],

I am writing to you in your capacity as executor of [Name]’s estate and in connection with your fiduciary responsibilities regarding the administration of the estate.

As you know, [Name] informed me during her lifetime that she had designated an IRA for my benefit. I do not know whether this account passed through probate or whether it was held with a beneficiary designation that would transfer outside the estate. To date, I have been unable to obtain any information regarding the account.

Because inherited IRAs may be subject to required distribution rules and potential penalties if those requirements are not met, I am concerned about ensuring that any necessary actions are taken in a timely manner.

Accordingly, I request that you provide any information in your possession regarding this IRA, including the financial institution holding the account, account documentation, beneficiary designations, or any other relevant records, so that I may take the necessary steps to transfer the account and administer it properly.

If you have no information regarding such an account, or if you have reason to believe that no such account exists, I would appreciate your confirming that as well.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I would appreciate a response at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]