Estate Administration Checklist

The term "estate administration" covers the entire process - from the moment someone dies to the moment the last asset is distributed to the beneficiaries. Probate (obtaining the grant from the Probate Registry) is one step within that process, not the whole of it. The full administration typically takes 9 to 18 months, though simple estates can be completed more quickly and complex ones can take longer.

For more detail on your legal duties as an executor, read our guide on what an executor must do.

• Register the death at the local register office within 5 days. Order at least 10 certified copies of the death certificate at the same time (around £12.50 each).

• Arrange the funeral. The funeral bill is an estate expense and most banks will release funds to pay it without requiring probate first.

• Locate the will. Check the deceased's files, solicitor, and the National Will Register. Confirm you are named as executor and that the will appears valid.

• Secure the property. If the deceased lived alone, secure the property and notify the buildings insurer. Do not remove or distribute contents until the estate is fully valued.

• Open an estate bank account. A separate account in the estate's name will keep estate money cleanly separated from your personal finances throughout the administration.

• Tell Us Once. Use the government's Tell Us Once service to notify HMRC, the DVLA, DWP, the Passport Office, the Electoral Roll, and the local council in one step. Use the reference number given to you at the register office.

• Write to all banks and financial institutions. Send a bereavement notification with a certified death certificate to every bank, building society and investment platform. Ask them to freeze accounts and provide date-of-death balances.

• Notify the employer if the deceased was still working or receiving a workplace pension. Ask about any death-in-service benefits or unpaid salary.

• Cancel utilities and subscriptions. Contact energy suppliers, broadband providers, TV licence, council tax, magazine subscriptions, streaming services, and any other recurring payments. Keep utilities running for any property that is still occupied or being maintained.

• Redirect post. Setting up a Royal Mail redirection ensures you receive correspondence addressed to the deceased and do not miss any accounts, creditors or institutions you were not already aware of.

A full estate valuation is needed before you can apply for probate and before you can determine whether inheritance tax is payable. Every asset and every debt must be valued as at the date of death.

• All bank and savings accounts - written date-of-death balances from each institution.

• Property - written valuation from a qualified estate agent or RICS surveyor, as at the date of death.

• Investments and shares - date-of-death valuation from each investment platform and share registrar.

• Vehicles - a realistic market value, such as the trade price from a reputable used car guide.

• Household contents and personal possessions - a reasonable market value. For high-value items such as jewellery or art, a professional valuation is advisable.

• All debts and liabilities - mortgage balance, credit card balances, loans, outstanding bills, and the funeral costs.

• Determine whether IHT is payable. The standard nil-rate band is £325,000. The residence nil-rate band (currently £175,000) applies when a main residence passes to direct descendants. Unused allowances may be transferable from a deceased spouse. For most simple estates, no IHT form is required at all.

• Complete the IHT400 if required. This is the main inheritance tax return for taxable estates. It includes multiple schedules covering different types of assets. Take professional advice if the estate is above the threshold or involves gifts made in the 7 years before death.

• Pay IHT on time. Inheritance tax must be paid within 6 months of the end of the month in which the person died. Payment before the grant is issued can be made via the HMRC Direct Payment Scheme, which allows banks to pay IHT directly from the deceased's accounts.

• Complete form PA1P or PA1A on GOV.UK or by post. PA1P is used when there is a will; PA1A when there is not.

• Submit the original will and a death certificate with the application. Pay the £300 court fee. Order sealed copies of the grant (£16 each) at the same time - order at least 8 to 10.

• Wait for the grant. The Probate Registry typically issues the grant within 8 to 16 weeks of a complete application. Use the waiting period to chase outstanding valuations and prepare for the next stage.

Once the grant is in your hands, you have legal authority to collect all the estate assets. Read our guide on what happens after probate is granted for detail on this stage.

• Send sealed copies to each institution by recorded post. Keep a log of every copy sent and every response received.

• Close bank accounts and transfer balances to the estate bank account. Record every receipt carefully.

• Sell or transfer property. Instruct a solicitor for the conveyancing. Ensure the property is properly insured throughout.

• Realise or transfer investments. Contact each investment platform or share registrar with the grant and follow their process for sale or transfer.

• Deal with HMRC. File the final income tax return for the deceased and resolve any outstanding tax position before making the final distribution.

• Pay all outstanding debts from the estate account: credit cards, loans, council tax, care costs, and any other liabilities. Keep receipts for everything.

• Prepare estate accounts. A clear record of all assets, liabilities, income, expenses, and the final distribution. Every residuary beneficiary is entitled to see the accounts. Read our guide on how to prepare estate accounts for a full walkthrough.

• Distribute to beneficiaries once accounts are agreed. Pay specific gifts first, then distribute the residue according to the will (or intestacy rules if there is no will). Do not distribute until all debts are paid and HMRC has confirmed the tax position is settled.

• Obtain signed receipts from each beneficiary confirming they have received their entitlement. This protects you as executor if questions arise later.

• Keep all records for 12 years. Retain all correspondence, accounts, receipts and supporting documents for at least 12 years after the administration is complete.

Common questions