Free administrative guide
What to do when someone dies in Canada
Losing someone is hard enough. This guide covers the practical, administrative tasks that need to happen in the weeks that follow, organized by what to do first, and by province.
This is an administrative checklist only, not legal, estate, or tax advice. For estate administration and the final tax return, work with a lawyer (or notary in Quebec) and an accountant.
Select your province
Each province guide has a free downloadable checklist tailored to your answers.
ON
Ontario
ServiceOntario, Vital Statistics
BC
British Columbia
BC Vital Statistics Agency
AB
Alberta
Alberta Vital Statistics (via registry agents)
SK
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Vital Statistics
MB
Manitoba
Manitoba Vital Statistics
QC
Quebec
Directeur de l'état civil (DEC)
NB
New Brunswick
Service New Brunswick, Vital Statistics
NS
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Vital Statistics
PE
Prince Edward Island
PEI Vital Statistics (Health PEI)
NL
Newfoundland & Labrador
NL Vital Statistics
Federal steps: same for every province
These apply regardless of which province the person lived in.
Stop government benefit payments: Service Canada
Notify Service Canada as soon as possible to stop CPP, OAS, and GIS payments. Payments received after the date of death must be returned by the estate. Call 1-800-277-9914 or use My Service Canada Account online.
My Service Canada AccountApply for the CPP Death Benefit
A one-time payment of up to $5,000 for deaths on/after Jan 1, 2025 ($2,500 basic, plus a $2,500 top-up in some cases, verify eligibility at canada.ca). Apply using Form ISP-1200 or online via My Service Canada Account. The estate representative should apply within 60 days of the death. Apply as soon as possible.
CPP death benefit: canada.caCPP Survivor’s Pension and Children’s Benefit
If the deceased had a surviving spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children, they may be eligible for ongoing CPP survivor payments. Apply through Service Canada at the same time as the death benefit application.
CPP Survivor’s Pension: canada.caNotify banks and open an estate account
Notify each bank, investment account, and credit card issuer. Most will freeze accounts until probate is granted. Ask the deceased’s bank about releasing funds for funeral expenses before probate. Many banks will do this on presentation of a Death Certificate and invoices. Open a separate estate bank account to manage estate income and expenses.
Cancel the Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Notify Service Canada to cancel the SIN. Destroy the SIN card.
Notify the CRA and file the final tax return
Notify the CRA of the death (call 1-800-959-8281 or through My Account). A final (terminal) T1 return must be filed for the year of death. The deadline is generally April 30 of the following year, or 6 months after the date of death, whichever is later. Quebec residents also require a Revenu Quebec provincial return. Work with an accountant.
CRA: what to do when someone diesCancel the Canadian passport
Notify Passport Canada to cancel the passport. The passport should be returned or destroyed.
Passport Canada: after a deathProvince-specific steps
In addition to the federal steps above, each province has its own vital statistics office, health card program, and estate process. Select your province above for the full guide.
Every province requires these steps:
- ✓Register the death and order certified Death Certificates (funeral home handles registration; you order copies)
- ✓Cancel the provincial health card
- ✓Cancel the driver’s licence and transfer any vehicles
- ✓Contact the provincial estate / probate authority if needed (rules vary by province)
Quebec note: Quebec uses civil law. The estate is managed by a liquidator (not an executor). A notarized will does not require probate. Consult a Quebec notary.
When to get professional help
If the estate is contested, or you are unsure whether probate is required, confirm with a lawyer (or a notary in Quebec) before proceeding.
Guidepost is not a law firm. If your situation matches this, consult a lawyer or notary (a Quebec notary in Quebec) before you act.
Common questions
What are the first steps after someone dies in Canada?
How do I notify Service Canada after a death?
What is the CPP Death Benefit and how do I apply?
What happens to taxes when someone dies in Canada?
Do I need probate after someone dies in Canada?
Now the executor?
The executor guide covers your ongoing duties over the coming months: probate, estate inventory, tax returns, CRA Clearance Certificate (TX19), compensation, and distributing the estate, with province-specific details.
Executor Guide for Canada →Working out the dates?
Enter the date of death and the deadline calculator composes the windows this site tracks, including the CPP death benefit, with the rule and source beside each date.
Paperwork deadline calculator →Hit a specific problem?
Straight answers to the questions that come up first: what probate costs, whether you even need it, why the bank froze the account, declining to be the executor, and what happens when there is no will.
After a death: common problems →Plan ahead: Wills & Power of Attorney Guide
Make sure your own documents are in order: will, enduring power of attorney for property, and personal-care directive. Instrument names and rules differ by province.
Wills & POA Guide for Canada →Last updated: July 2026
Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general administrative information only. Full disclaimer