What to do when someone dies in Ontario
This page is the free Ontario guide. No sign-in. Read on.
Facts checked September 2026 · See what changed · How we check
A step-by-step administrative checklist for families navigating the weeks after a loss. Province-specific details for Ontario, 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.
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In the first days
Open this section ↓Time-sensitive items that should be done as soon as you are able.
↑ Close this sectionRegister the death: ServiceOntario, Vital Statistics
The funeral home typically registers the death with ServiceOntario. Order certified copies of the death certificate through ServiceOntario. You will need multiple copies for banks, insurance, and the estate.
Death certificate fee: $15 (death certificate) / $22 (certified copy of the registration); premium $45 / $52 by courier.
ServiceOntario, 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 Account2
In the first few weeks
Work through these as certified Death Certificates arrive and you have the capacity.Open this section ↓Work through these as certified Death Certificates arrive and you have the capacity.
↑ Close this sectionApply for the CPP Death Benefit
FederalA 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.
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 OHIP health card: ServiceOntario
ProvincialReturn or destroy the OHIP card. Notify ServiceOntario so the card is cancelled.
ServiceOntarioDriver's licence and vehicle: ServiceOntario, DriveON
ProvincialSurrender the Ontario driver licence to ServiceOntario. For vehicles, the estate must transfer the vehicle permit to a new owner or the estate through a ServiceOntario location.
ServiceOntario, DriveONNotify 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.
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.
Cancel the Canadian passport
FederalNotify Passport Canada to cancel the passport. Return or destroy it.
Passport Canada: after a death3
Within a few months
Estate and tax administration.Open this section ↓Estate and tax administration. These often require professional assistance.
↑ Close this sectionNotify 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 diesCertificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee: Ontario Superior Court of Justice
EstateOntario uses a "Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee" (commonly called probate). Estate Administration Tax is payable on the value of the estate. Not every estate requires probate. Small estates or assets with named beneficiaries may not need it. Confirm with a lawyer or notary.
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeCRA Clearance Certificate (TX19)
FederalRequest a CRA Clearance Certificate using Form TX19 (Asking for a Clearance Certificate) before distributing estate assets. Under Income Tax Act s.159(3), 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.
Form TX19: canada.ca4
Personalize your Ontario checklist
Open this section ↓Answer five quick questions to get a tailored checklist, free to download as a PDF.
PERSONALIZE YOUR CHECKLIST ↑ Close this sectionA 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 estateWere they receiving CPP, OAS, GIS, or other government benefits?
Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income SupplementDid they have a spouse, partner, or dependent children?
May affect CPP Survivor benefit and children\'s benefit eligibilityDid they own a vehicle?
Car, truck, or other registered vehicleFree. No sign-up.5
Common questions: Ontario
Open this section ↓Where do I get a Death Certificate in Ontario?
Death registration in Ontario is handled by the ServiceOntario, Vital Statistics. The funeral home typically registers the death with ServiceOntario. Order certified copies of the death certificate through ServiceOntario. You will need multiple copies for banks, insurance, and the estate.How do I cancel the health card after a death in Ontario?
In Ontario, the OHIP health card is cancelled through ServiceOntario. Return or destroy the OHIP card. Notify ServiceOntario so the card is cancelled.What is the probate process called in Ontario?
Ontario uses a "Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee" (commonly called probate). Estate Administration Tax is payable on the value of the estate. Not every estate requires probate. Small estates or assets with named beneficiaries may not need it. Confirm with a lawyer or notary.What federal steps apply after any death in Canada?
Notify Service Canada immediately to stop CPP, OAS, and GIS payments. Apply for the CPP Death Benefit. Cancel the SIN. Notify the CRA. File the final T1 tax return. Cancel the Canadian passport.CPP death and survivor benefit forms, explained
ISP-1200: CPP death benefit →ISP-1300: CPP survivor's pension →Form 74A: Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee →The Allowance for the Survivor may also apply if you are 60 to 64 with low income. Turning 65 guide →
Now the executor? See the Executor Guide.
The executor guide covers your ongoing duties: probate, estate inventory, CRA Clearance Certificate (TX19), compensation, and distributing the estate, with Ontario-specific court and fee details.
Plan ahead: Wills & Power of Attorney
Make sure your own documents are in order. Instrument names and witnessing rules differ by province.
Wills & POA Guide: Ontario →Where Everything Is: the binder a family wishes existed →
Executor workbook: your task list, deadlines and letters, by province →
Guides for other provinces
Facts checked September 2026
Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general administrative information only. Full disclaimer
↑ Close this section
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.