Free administrative guide — NS
What to do when someone dies in Nova Scotia
A step-by-step administrative checklist for families navigating the weeks after a loss. Province-specific details for Nova Scotia, plus the federal steps that apply everywhere.
This is a practical administrative checklist, not legal, estate, or tax advice. For estate administration, probate, and the final tax return, work with a lawyer (or notary in Quebec) and an accountant. Take your time — these tasks unfold over weeks and months.
In the first days
Time-sensitive items that should be done as soon as you are able.
Register the death — Nova Scotia Vital Statistics
The funeral home registers the death with NS Vital Statistics. Order certified copies of the Death Certificate through the Vital Statistics Office.
Nova Scotia Vital StatisticsNotify Service Canada — stop CPP, OAS, and GIS payments
Call 1-800-277-9914 or use My Service Canada Account online. Payments received after the date of death must be returned by the estate — overpayments are a common and stressful problem that is easily avoided by notifying Service Canada promptly.
My Service Canada AccountIn the first few weeks
Work through these as certified Death Certificates arrive and you have the capacity.
Apply for the CPP Death Benefit
FederalA one-time payment of up to $2,500 (verify the current amount at canada.ca) paid to the estate of a CPP contributor. Apply through Service Canada. 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
FederalIf 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.
CPP Survivor's PensionCancel the Nova Scotia Medical Services Insurance (MSI) health card — Nova Scotia MSI
ProvincialNotify MSI to cancel the health card. Destroy the MSI card.
Nova Scotia MSIDriver's licence and vehicle — Nova Scotia Access Nova Scotia / Registry of Motor Vehicles
ProvincialCancel the NS driver licence and transfer or cancel vehicle registration through Access Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia Access Nova Scotia / Registry of Motor VehiclesNotify banks, insurers, and financial accounts
FinancialNotify 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.
Cancel the Canadian passport
FederalNotify Passport Canada to cancel the passport. Return or destroy it.
Passport Canada — after a deathWithin a few months
Estate and tax administration. These often require professional assistance.
Notify the CRA and file the final T1 tax return
FederalNotify 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.
CRA — what to do when someone diesGrant of Probate (or Letters of Administration) — Nova Scotia Probate Court
EstateNova Scotia uses the Probate Act to govern estates. A Grant of Probate is typically needed for larger estates. Confirm with a Nova Scotia lawyer.
Nova Scotia Probate CourtCRA Clearance Certificate
FederalConsider requesting a CRA Clearance Certificate before distributing estate assets. This protects the executor from personal liability for the deceased's unpaid taxes.
CRA clearance certificatePersonalize your Nova Scotia checklist
Answer five quick questions to get a tailored checklist — free to download as a PDF.
Personalize your checklist
A few questions about the person who passed
This helps us tailor the checklist to your situation. Your answers stay on your device.
Did they have a will?
Did they own a home or real property?
House, condo, land, or other real estate
Were they receiving CPP, OAS, GIS, or other government benefits?
Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement
Did they have a spouse, partner, or dependent children?
May affect CPP Survivor benefit and children\'s benefit eligibility
Did they own a vehicle?
Car, truck, or other registered vehicle
Free. No sign-up.
Common questions — Nova Scotia
Where do I get a Death Certificate in Nova Scotia?
How do I cancel the health card after a death in Nova Scotia?
What is the probate process called in Nova Scotia?
What federal steps apply after any death in Canada?
Guides for other provinces
Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general administrative information only. Full disclaimer