What Happens to Your PayPal Business Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Balance
May hold funds
Working Capital
May have active loan
Subscriptions
Customers on recurring billing
Disputes
Open cases need resolution
Step-by-Step Guide
Check the PayPal balance and pending transactions
Log in and check the balance, pending payments, and any holds. Transfer the balance to the linked bank account if accessible. Note any reserves held by PayPal.
Estimated time: Day 1
Check for Working Capital loans
Go to Finances → Working Capital or Business Loans. If there is an active loan, it is a debt obligation of the estate. Document the remaining balance and repayment terms.
Estimated time: Day 1
Review and resolve open disputes
Check the Resolution Center for any open cases, chargebacks, or disputes. These have deadlines — if ignored, PayPal will decide against the seller.
Estimated time: Day 1-3
Review recurring payments and subscriptions
Go to Pay & Get Paid → Subscriptions to see active recurring billing. Customers are being charged — decide whether to continue or cancel with notice.
Estimated time: Week 1
Export all transaction history
Go to Activity → Statements → Download. Export all years of transaction data in CSV format. This is needed for tax preparation and business records.
Estimated time: Week 1
Document Now Checklist
- PayPal Business login email and password
- Business name on account
- Current balance and any reserves
- Whether Working Capital loan is active
- Connected bank account for withdrawals
- Open disputes or cases in Resolution Center
Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with PayPal Business. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Related Guides
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Shopify
If you have an active Shopify store, orders may continue coming in. Your executor needs access immediately to fulfill or refund.
GitHub
Transfer important private repositories to a trusted collaborator or organisation. Go to Repo Settings → Transfer.
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