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Executor Guide: Prince Edward Island

This page is the free Prince Edward Island guide. No sign-in. Read on, or take the checklist as a PDF.

Facts checked September 2026 · See what changed · How we check

Named as executor in a Prince Edward Island will? This guide covers your duties, the Letters Probate process, probate fee, and the CRA Clearance Certificate (TX19).

General information only, not legal, estate, or tax advice. Executor duties are complex and time-sensitive. Work with a lawyer and an accountant. Verify all figures directly with the Supreme Court of Prince Edward Island, Estates Section.

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    Prince Edward Island: estate process details

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    Grant

    Letters Probate (Form 65U) or Letters of Administration (Form 65V)

    Issuing court

    Supreme Court of Prince Edward Island, Estates Section

    Probate fee

    Probate Act s.119.1(4): estates up to $10,000 = $50; up to $25,000 = $100; up to $50,000 = $200; up to $100,000 = $400; over $100,000 = $400 plus $4 per $1,000 (or fraction) above $100,000.

    Calculate the Prince Edward Island probate fee →

    Executor compensation

    Reasonable commission not exceeding 5% of gross estate received plus necessary expenses (Probate Act s.11). Not a guaranteed rate. Confirm with a lawyer and obtain court or beneficiary approval.

    Passing of accounts

    Required under the Probate Act (ss.22, 50, 53).

    Critical: CRA Clearance Certificate (Form TX19)

    You must request a CRA Clearance Certificate using Form TX19 before distributing any estate assets to beneficiaries. Under Income Tax Act s.159(3), distributing without one can make the executor personally liable for any taxes the estate owes. Apply once all tax returns are filed and the CRA is satisfied taxes are paid or secured.

    Form TX19: canada.ca
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  2. 2

    Executor duties timeline

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    First days and weeks

    Locate the will; check also for a more recent will. Keep the original in a safe place.
    Arrange funeral per the deceased’s written wishes.
    Get the Death Certificate; order multiple certified copies from the provincial vital statistics office.
    Secure the home, property, vehicles, and pets.
    Notify Service Canada (1-800-277-9914) to stop CPP, OAS, and GIS payments immediately. Overpayments must be repaid by the estate.
    Apply for the CPP Death Benefit (Form ISP-1200 or online). Up to $5,000 for deaths on or after January 1, 2025. Apply within 60 days.
    Apply for CPP Survivor’s Pension or Children’s Benefit if there is a surviving spouse or dependent children.
    Notify banks and insurers; accounts typically freeze on death. Ask about releasing funds for funeral expenses before probate.

    1–3 months

    Determine whether probate is required; not all estates need it. Consult a lawyer.
    Inventory all assets and debts (account statements, property title, insurance, personal property).
    Open a dedicated estate bank account; keep estate funds separate from your own.
    Redirect mail (Canada Post mail redirection, canadapost.ca).
    Cancel: SIN (Service Canada), passport (Passport Canada), health card, driver’s licence, subscriptions.
    Notify the CRA of the death (1-800-959-8281 or CRA My Account). Request copies of prior tax returns.
    Apply for: Letters Probate at Supreme Court of Prince Edward Island, Estates Section, if probate is required.
    Advertise for creditors if required in Prince Edward Island; ask a lawyer whether this step applies.

    3–12 months

    Pay all verified estate debts and taxes.
    File the deceased’s final (terminal) T1 tax return. Deadline: generally April 30 of the following year, or 6 months after death, whichever is later. Work with an accountant.
    File estate or trust tax returns if needed (T3 Estate Return).
    Request the CRA Clearance Certificate (Form TX19) BEFORE distributing. See red box above.

    Wrap-up

    Take executor compensation only after obtaining beneficiary or court approval. Reasonable commission not exceeding 5% of gross estate received plus necessary expenses (Probate Act s.11). Not a guaranteed rate. Confirm with a lawyer and obtain court or beneficiary approval..
    Required under the Probate Act (ss.22, 50, 53).
    Distribute the estate ONLY after receiving the CRA Clearance Certificate (TX19).
    Keep all estate records for at least six years from the end of the last tax year they relate to.

    Download the Prince Edward Island executor checklist

    All the steps above in a branded PDF checklist, with province-specific court and fee details. Free.

    Free. General information only, not legal or regulatory advice.

    Keep it with the rest. This one files behind tab 7 of the Home File.

    Just getting started after the death?

    The first administrative steps (Death Certificate, Service Canada, CRA notification, health card cancellation) are covered in the After-a-Death guide.

    What to Do When Someone Dies in Prince Edward Island →

    Plan ahead: Wills & Power of Attorney

    Make sure your own will, property POA, and personal-care directive are in order so your estate is easy to administer. Instrument names and rules differ by province.

    Wills & POA Guide: Prince Edward Island →

    Where Everything Is: the facts an executor needs, written down in advance →

    Executor workbook: your task list, deadlines and letters, by province →

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  3. 3

    Common questions: Prince Edward Island

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    What is the probate process called in Prince Edward Island?
    In Prince Edward Island, the estate authority is called a "Letters Probate (Form 65U) or Letters of Administration (Form 65V)" and is issued by the Supreme Court of Prince Edward Island, Estates Section. Confirm with a Prince Edward Island lawyer.
    How is an executor compensated in Prince Edward Island?
    Reasonable commission not exceeding 5% of gross estate received plus necessary expenses (Probate Act s.11). Not a guaranteed rate. Confirm with a lawyer and obtain court or beneficiary approval.
    What is the CRA Clearance Certificate and when do I need it?
    Request Form TX19 from the CRA BEFORE distributing any estate assets. Under ITA s.159(3), a executor who distributes without one can be held personally liable for outstanding taxes. This applies in Prince Edward Island.
    What are the first steps as executor in Prince Edward Island?
    Immediately: locate the will, secure the property, and call Service Canada (1-800-277-9914) to stop CPP/OAS/GIS payments. Then: get multiple certified Death Certificates, apply for the CPP Death Benefit (Form ISP-1200, within 60 days), and notify banks.

    CPP benefits after a death

    ISP-1200: CPP death benefit →ISP-1300: CPP survivor's pension →

    Executor guides for other provinces

    ON: OntarioBC: British ColumbiaAB: AlbertaSK: SaskatchewanMB: ManitobaQC: QuebecNB: New BrunswickNS: Nova ScotiaNL: Newfoundland & Labrador

    Facts checked September 2026

    Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general informational purposes only. Full disclaimer

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Informational guide only. Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide explains the typical process and is not legal advice. Requirements can change. Verify current rules with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional before you act.