Last updated on January 19th, 2026
As individuals living in an increasingly online world, a great deal of our personal property today exists in digital form. “Digital assets” range from digital images and documents to online accounts and cryptocurrency. When it comes to estate planning, special considerations must be taken into account for digital assets. Since digital assets take many different forms, exist in various locations, and are typically protected by multiple layers of security, advanced planning is crucial to ensuring your assets are managed according to your wishes. Below are some factors to consider when planning for the future treatment of your digital assets.
What is a digital asset?
A digital asset is an item of value that is stored electronically and can be bought, sold, owned, transferred, or traded. Examples of digital assets include cryptocurrencies and NFTs (nonfungible tokens), online banking and investment accounts (the accounts themselves, not the funds), email accounts, digital photos and documents, videos, online content, intellectual property, websites, social media accounts, and more.
Creating a list of your digital assets
A digital asset inventory—a comprehensive list of all of your electronically stored assets—is critical for estate planning purposes. Creating a document listing all of your digital accounts will make it easier for you and your loved ones to keep track of what you own and where your assets are located, and will help to prevent property from being overlooked or forgotten. Make sure to update this list periodically to include any changes to your digital assets over time.
Ensuring the necessary parties will have access to your digital assets
It’s important to make sure your heirs and other necessary parties are able to access your digital assets after you pass. Most digital assets are protected by security mechanisms such as usernames and passwords, two-factor authentication, or security questions. These login credentials will need to be recorded and accessible to the designated parties when they require them. A password manager is one option for securely storing this sensitive information until it is needed. Digital assets may also be protected by privacy laws and terms-of-service agreements. Some account providers allow you to designate in advance what happens to your account after you pass. Otherwise, you may need to grant authority for others to access your digital assets and accounts via official legal documentation, which can be accomplished in coordination with an estate planning attorney. As part of your estate plan, make sure you specify the name or names of the people who you want to be able to access each account.
Partner with RBT CPAs
Transferring digital assets as a part of your estate plan requires additional layers of advance planning. RBT’s experts in our Trust, Estate, and Gift practice—in conjunction with your estate planning attorney—are here to help you navigate this process and ensure that your assets are managed according to your wishes when the time comes. Give RBT CPAs a call today and find out how we can be Remarkably Better Together.