When someone dies, most families don’t know where to start.
There are forms, Banks, HMRC, Benefits, Pensions, Property, Probate… and it can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re grieving.
This guide walks you through the practical steps, in plain English, so you know exactly what must be done, who to notify, and which parts relate to Tax, HMRC and the Estate finances.
It applies whether the person was:
- A homeowner
- A Landlord
- Employed or retired
- Self-employed
- Receiving state benefits or pensions
🎥 If you prefer to watch rather than read, here is the full video guide.
You can now continue with the full written guide below.
Let’s take it one step at a time.
1. Register the Death
Before anything else:
- Contact the GP, hospital or coroner
- Obtain the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
- Register the death within 5 days
- Order extra death certificates (5–10 copies is typical)
You will need these to deal with Banks, Pensions, Property and HMRC.
2. Tell HMRC, DWP, Pensions & Council
Use the Government’s Tell Us Once service. It notifies:
- HMRC
- DWP
- State pension
- Local council (Council Tax)
- DVLA
- Passport Office
If Tell Us Once is not available, notify each organisation separately.
3. Secure Their Finances & Property
Before probate starts, you should:
- Inform the bank or building society
- Freeze accounts to prevent fraud
- Collect recent statements
- Secure the property (change locks if needed)
- Take meter readings
- Locate the Will (if there is one)
If there are tenants, contact them quickly and reassure them rent should continue as normal.
4. Check if Probate Is Needed
Probate is usually required when:
- The person owned property
- Their assets exceed £5,000–£20,000 (bank thresholds vary)
- They had investments
- They died without a Will (intestacy)
Probate is not usually needed for:
- Joint bank accounts
- Jointly owned property (passes automatically to surviving owner)
If you’re unsure, speak to a Probate Solicitor or Legal Executive.
I work with a trusted Legal Executive who handles probate, and I can connect you when needed.
5. Understand Property, Mortgages & Rental Income
This is where most families feel lost — and where I can help.
If the deceased owned a property:
- It becomes part of the estate
- It cannot be sold until probate is granted
- Mortgages still need to be paid
- Insurance must be updated (unoccupied cover if empty)
If the property was rented out:
Rental income does not stop.
Instead:
- Rent continues to be collected
- It must be declared on the Estate’s Tax Return
- Expenses can still be claimed
- The Executor is responsible for the accounts
👉 If you have inherited a rental property, you may find my guide on What Happens if You Die Owning a Rental Property helpful.
6. What Happens to Tax Returns
HMRC may require:
1. A final Self Assessment Return
Covers income up to the date of death.
2. An Estate Tax Return (if needed)
If the Estate continues to receive income (e.g., rent), the Executor must report it.
This is often the part families struggle with most.
I can support with:
- The final Tax Return
- Rental accounts
- Working out CGT/IHT position
- Estate income calculations
- Liaising with HMRC if needed
7. Inheritance Tax: Do You Need to Pay It?
Inheritance Tax (IHT) depends on:
- The value of the Estate
- Whether there is a home
- Whether the home is passing to Children or Grandchildren
- Whether there was a Spouse
- Gifts made in the last 7 years
- Business or agricultural assets (rare but possible)
Most Estates do not pay IHT, but the forms are still required.
You can also read my article on Gifting Property and The 7-Year Rule, which explains how inheritance rules work for families or my series on Gifting Property.
8. Documents You Will Need
Common documents include:
- Death certificate
- Will
- Bank statements
- Mortgage statements
- Property deeds
- Tenancy agreements (if rented)
- Utility bills
- Pension details
- Life insurance policies
- Investment statements
- Council tax records
- National Insurance number
- Passport and driving licence
- Probate forms
9. When To Speak to a Solicitor or Legal Executive
You should seek legal help when:
- There is no Will
- There are disputes
- There are overseas assets
- The Estate is large or complex
- Probate is definitely required
- There is property involved
- You need letters of administration
I work closely with a trusted Legal Executive who can manage probate from start to finish, while I help with the financial/HMRC side.
10. When You Should Speak to an Accountant
This is where I can support you:
- Final Self Assessment
- Estate Tax Returns
- Rental income during probate
- Working out IHT allowances
- CGT if property is eventually sold
- Sorting 7-year rule and gifts
- Organising the Estate’s financial records
- Making sure nothing is missed with HMRC
Families often feel overwhelmed — you don’t have to do this alone.
If you’re dealing with past rental income, my guide on Rental Losses and Carrying Them Forward explains how HMRC treat losses during probate.
Final Word
Losing someone is hard enough.
The paperwork shouldn’t make it harder.
If you need help understanding the financial or HMRC side when someone dies, you can contact me.
I will walk you through each step calmly, organise the tax side, and connect you with a trusted Legal Executive for probate if required.
You’re not expected to know all of this — that’s what I’m here for.