Frequently Asked Questions - Banks/CUs

Q: Do all attorneys need IOLTA accounts?

A: Only attorneys that handle client trust funds that are nominal in amount or held for a short time are required to establish IOLTA accounts. Licensed attorneys in Texas who do NOT handle client trust funds are not required to establish an IOLTA account.

Q: Where do attorneys deposit client trust funds that do not meet the short-term or nominal fund requirements of IOLTA?

A: Client trust funds that do not meet the nominal or short-term fund requirements of an IOLTA account should be deposited in a separate demand account to earn interest for the benefit of that client. The attorney must use that client’s tax ID # instead of the Foundation’s tax ID #.

Q: How can a financial institution become eligible to hold IOLTA funds?

A: If your financial institution currently holds IOLTA accounts, and you would like to learn more about becoming eligible, visit the Become an Eligible Financial Institution section for more information.

If your institution does not currently hold IOLTA accounts, please email or call 512.320.0099, ext. 108, before opening IOLTA accounts. You must acquire a bank code and a packet of instructions and forms from the Foundation before qualifying for the eligibility process.

Q: How do financial institutions assist attorneys or law firms in opening IOLTA accounts?

A: The financial institution must complete the IOLTA Notice to Financial Institution, which instructs the financial institution how to establish an IOLTA account. The attorney, law firm or financial institution must then mail or fax a copy of the completed form to the Texas Access to Justice Foundation.

Q: Are IOLTA accounts subject to service charges? Who pays the services charges?

A: Allowable reasonable fees are the only fees and service charges that may be deducted by an eligible institution from interest earned on an IOLTA account. Allowable reasonable fees may be deducted from interest or dividends on an IOLTA account only at the rates and in accordance with the customary practices of the eligible institution for non-IOLTA customers. No fees or service charges other than allowable reasonable fees may be assessed against the accrued interest or dividends on an IOLTA account. Any fees and service charges other than allowable reasonable fees shall be the sole responsibility of, and may only be charged to, the attorney or law firm maintaining the IOLTA account.

Q: Does the Foundation pay for the checks, deposit slips and other related fees on the client trust accounts?

A: No. Any fees and service charges other than allowable reasonable fees shall be the sole responsibility of, and may only be charged to, the attorney or law firm maintaining the IOLTA account.

Q: Who can a bank contact if it has a question about an IOLTA account?

A:  While the Texas Access to Justice Foundation can provide information and guidance about IOLTA accounts and compliance in general, much of which is on the website, the Foundation is not able to provide specific advice and counsel about individual accounts not related to IOLTA compliance, such as dormant accounts. Legal questions should be presented to your legal counsel; however, other available resources are Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT), and Texas Bankers Association (TBA) and the the Texas Credit Union League (TCUL). IBAT, TBA, and TCUL represent most of the banks and credit unions operating Texas. As member benefit of each association IBAT Compliance Adviser Helpline, TBA Legal Hotline, and the TCUL Regulatory and Compliance Department  answer members’ legal and regulatory questions.

  • IBAT Compliance Alliance Helpline: (800) 749-4228

  • TBA Compliance Hotline:  (888) 353-3933

  • TCUL Regulatory and Compliance Department: (800)442-5762, ext. 8515

Advice from these associations does not substitute for advice of legal counsel.


Recent News

 

October 31, 2023

TAJF honors contributions to access to justice at luncheon with Supreme Court

October 10, 2023

TAJF adds Aranda to board of directors; Hon. Deborah Hankinson reappointed as chair, Torrence reappointed 

July 13, 2023

Cendera Bank Joines Prime Partner Bank Program

June 12, 2023

TAJF Sponsors Five Equal Justice Works Fellows

June 1, 2023

Texas Access to Justice Commission renews statewide legal clinic initiative for Texas veterans

May 29, 2023

Capitol Credit Union Joins the Prime Partner Program  

May 17, 2023

Betty Balli Torres Receives Lifetime Achievement Award  

Apr. 25, 2023

Statewide Virtual Court Kiosk Project Launches to Improve Texans’ Access to Legal Aid Services

Nov. 29, 2022

Wells Fargo Joins the Prime Partner Program

More news

© 2024 Texas Access to Justice Foundation