Banks, building societies and other financial institutions are prohibited by law from releasing monies (other than current accounts) lodged or deposited in the joint names of the deceased and another person or persons in the absence of a letter of clearance, Form I.T.8, from the Revenue Commissioners. This applies if, at the date of death, the total of all the amounts standing with the institution in the joint names of the deceased and that other person or persons exceeds €50,000 (Section 109 of the Capital Acquisitions Tax Consolidation Act, 2003). The requirement does not apply, however, to monies which have been held in the joint names of the deceased and his/her surviving spouse or surviving civil partner. The letter of clearance should be requested from the Revenue Commissioners.