Free administrative guide — QC
What to do when someone dies in Quebec
A step-by-step administrative checklist for families navigating the weeks after a loss. Province-specific details for Quebec, plus the federal steps that apply everywhere.
Quebec — important note
Quebec is a civil-law province. Estate administration works differently from the rest of Canada -- consult a Quebec notary, not just a common-law lawyer.
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 — Directeur de l'etat civil (DEC)
Death registration in Quebec is handled exclusively by the Directeur de l'etat civil (DEC). The funeral home files the declaration of death. Order certified copies of the death certificate through the DEC -- order several.
Directeur de l'etat civil (DEC)Notify 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 RAMQ Health Insurance health card — Regie de l'assurance maladie du Quebec (RAMQ)
ProvincialNotify RAMQ to cancel the Quebec health card. Return or destroy the RAMQ card.
Regie de l'assurance maladie du Quebec (RAMQ)Driver's licence and vehicle — SAAQ (Societe de l'assurance automobile du Quebec)
ProvincialThe SAAQ handles driver licences and vehicle registration in Quebec. Contact the SAAQ to cancel the licence and transfer vehicle ownership to the estate or heir.
SAAQ (Societe de l'assurance automobile du Quebec)Notify 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 diesFile a final Revenu Quebec return — Quebec residents only
QuebecQuebec residents file a separate provincial income tax return. The legal representative must file a final Quebec provincial return in addition to the federal CRA return.
Revenu QuebecEstate liquidation — consult a Quebec notary
EstateQuebec uses civil law. The estate is managed by a LIQUIDATOR (not an executor). A notarized will (testament notarie) does NOT require court probate. A holographic (handwritten) will or a will before witnesses must be verified (probated) by the Superior Court. Consult a Quebec notary -- notaries play a central role in Quebec estate administration.
Educaloi — estate liquidationCRA Clearance Certificate
FederalConsider requesting a CRA Clearance Certificate before distributing estate assets. This protects the liquidator from personal liability for the deceased's unpaid taxes.
CRA clearance certificatePersonalize your Quebec 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 — Quebec
Where do I get a Death Certificate in Quebec?
How do I cancel the health card after a death in Quebec?
Does a will need to be probated in Quebec?
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