What to do when someone dies in Alberta

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: the top-up applies only if the deceased never received a CPP/QPP retirement or disability pension and has no eligible surviving spouse or common-law partner). Apply using Form ISP-1200 (paper) or online via My Service Canada Account. The estate representative should apply within 60 days of the death. Apply as soon as possible.

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.

Notify Alberta Health to cancel the AHCIP coverage. Destroy the Alberta health card.

Transfer or cancel vehicle registration through an Alberta registry agent. The driver licence should also be cancelled through a registry agent.

Notify each bank, investment account, and credit card issuer. Most will freeze accounts and require a certified Death Certificate before releasing estate funds. Named beneficiaries on RRSPs, TFSAs, and life insurance receive proceeds directly: no probate needed for those.

Funeral expenses before probate: Ask the deceased's bank about releasing funds to cover funeral costs before probate is granted: many banks will do this on presentation of a Death Certificate and funeral invoices. Open a separate estate bank account to receive estate income and pay estate expenses.

Notify Passport Canada to cancel the passport. Return or destroy it.

Notify the CRA by calling 1-800-959-8281 or through CRA My Account. A final (terminal) T1 income tax 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. An accountant can help with the final return and the clearance certificate.

Alberta estates often require a Grant of Probate. The Surrogate Rules govern the process. Small or simple estates (particularly where assets have named beneficiaries) may not require it. Confirm with an Alberta lawyer.

Request a CRA Clearance Certificate using Form TX19 (Asking for a Clearance Certificate) before distributing estate assets. Under Income Tax Act s.159(2), distributing assets without one can make the executor personally liable for any taxes the estate owes. The CRA issues the certificate once it is satisfied all taxes have been paid or secured.