Do I have to do every step on this list?

No. Every estate is different. Mark the steps that don't fit your situation as "Doesn't apply". A lawyer can tell you which steps matter most for your estate.

Is my checklist saved?

Yes, on this device and in this browser only. We can't see it, and it won't follow you to another device. Print a copy every so often as a backup.

In what order should I do things?

Roughly in the order shown, but many steps overlap. For example, you'll often be notifying organizations while you're still building your list of assets.

Executor Checklist for Ontario (Free and Printable)

Phase 1: The first few days 0 of 11

Get proof of death.Ask the funeral home for several copies, and order official death certificates from ServiceOntario if banks or insurers need them.
Find the original will and any codicils.The court needs the original for probate. Check home, safety deposit boxes, the drafting lawyer and the local court's estates office.
Read the will carefully.Note the executors, any guardians for children, specific gifts, funeral wishes and who gets the rest (the "residue").
Decide whether you'll act.If you don't want the job, renounce before you start dealing with any of the person's money or property.
Follow the funeral wishes.Reasonable funeral costs are paid by the estate. Keep every receipt.
Secure the home, car and valuables.Lock up, collect keys and consider changing the locks if many people have them.
Keep insurance in place.Tell the home and car insurers about the death and ask about vacancy rules.
Arrange care for pets and dependants.
Redirect the mailRedirect it to yourself with Canada Post.
Start an estate file.One binder or folder for everything: a log of calls and decisions, copies of documents and every receipt.
Track your own expenses.Mileage, parking, postage and couriers are reimbursed by the estate.

Phase 2: The first month 0 of 11

Phase 3: Take stock and get authority 0 of 11

Phase 4: Manage the estate 0 of 10

Phase 5: Taxes 0 of 6

File the final tax return.Due April 30 of the following year, or six months after the date of death if the person died in November or December. Taxes after a death
File any returns from earlier yearsIf it appliesFile any that weren't filed.
Ask an accountant about optional returns,If it appliesOptional returns can lower the tax bill in some cases.
File T3 returns for the estateIf it appliesFile them for any income earned after the date of death.
Pay all taxes owingPay them from the estate.
Request a clearance certificateRequest it from the CRA (form TX19) before the final distribution.

Phase 6: Wrap it up 0 of 5

Prepare the estate accounts:A clear summary of everything that came in and went out.
Settle executor compensation,Settle it, or confirm in writing that you're waiving it.
Get signed releasesGet them from the beneficiaries approving the accounts.
Distribute the estate,Distribute it, keeping a small holdback for final costs if needed.
Close the estate account and keep the fileKeep the file for at least six years.

The Executor Checklist

Phase 1: The first few days 0 of 11

Phase 2: The first month 0 of 11

Phase 3: Take stock and get authority 0 of 11

Phase 4: Manage the estate 0 of 10

Phase 5: Taxes 0 of 6

Phase 6: Wrap it up 0 of 5

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