What paperwork needs to be filed after someone dies?

After a death, families typically need to file 47+ forms including: IRS Form SS-4 (estate EIN), IRS Form 56 (executor notice), Social Security death notification, SSA-8 lump-sum benefit, SSA-10 survivor benefits, final 1040 tax return, life insurance claims, probate petition, and notifications to banks, credit bureaus, and government agencies.

How do I apply for a Social Security death benefit?

You can claim the $255 Social Security lump-sum death benefit (SSA-8) by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local Social Security office. You must claim within 2 years of the death. A surviving spouse or dependent child is eligible. LastingPath provides a step-by-step wizard for SSA-8.

Do I need probate if someone dies without a will?

It depends on the estate value and state. Many states allow small estates under $50,000–$100,000 to skip probate using a Small Estate Affidavit. Estates above the threshold typically require probate court even without a will. LastingPath helps you determine if you qualify for the small estate process.

What is an estate EIN and do I need one?

An estate EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a tax ID for the deceased's estate. You need one to open an estate bank account, file the estate tax return (Form 1041), and handle most financial transactions. You apply for it using IRS Form SS-4, which LastingPath can guide you through in minutes.

How long does estate administration take?

Simple estates with no real estate and under the small estate threshold can be settled in 1–3 months. Estates going through probate typically take 6–18 months. Most time-sensitive tasks (Social Security, IRS notifications, creditor notices) have deadlines within the first 60–90 days.

How do I get an EIN for an estate?

File IRS Form SS-4 to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for the deceased's estate. You can apply online at irs.gov, by fax, or by mail. The EIN is required to open an estate bank account, file estate tax returns, and manage financial transactions on behalf of the estate. LastingPath walks you through the SS-4 application step by step.

What is Form 56 and when do I need to file it?

Form 56 is the Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship filed with the IRS. It formally notifies the IRS that you (the executor, administrator, or personal representative) are acting on behalf of the deceased's estate. You should file Form 56 as soon as you are appointed by the court or named in the will. LastingPath's guided wizard helps you complete and file Form 56 correctly.

How do I claim Social Security survivor benefits?

File SSA-10 for monthly survivor benefits if you are a surviving spouse, dependent child, or other eligible dependent. You can apply by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local office. Survivor benefits can provide ongoing monthly income based on the deceased's earnings record. LastingPath guides you through the SSA-10 application process.

What is the deadline for filing estate tax returns?

Form 706 (United States Estate Tax Return) is due 9 months after the date of death. You can request an automatic 6-month extension using Form 4768. For 2026, estates exceeding $13.61 million in gross assets are required to file. The estate income tax return (Form 1041) is due on April 15 of the year following death. LastingPath tracks these deadlines and sends reminders.

How do I notify creditors of a death?

Send written notice to known creditors within the timeframe required by your state (typically 30–90 days after appointment). Most states also require publishing a notice in a local newspaper to notify unknown creditors. Creditors then have a limited window (usually 3–6 months) to file claims against the estate. LastingPath's Creditor Shield tool helps you manage creditor notifications and analyze claims.

Do I need probate if the estate is small?

Many states allow small estate affidavits for estates below a certain threshold, typically $25,000 to $200,000 depending on the state. A small estate affidavit lets you transfer assets without going through formal probate court proceedings, saving significant time and legal fees. LastingPath covers small estate affidavit guidance for all 50 states and helps you determine if you qualify.

How do I transfer a vehicle title after death?

Contact your state DMV with the death certificate, the vehicle title, and proof of your authority as executor or heir (Letters Testamentary or small estate affidavit). Requirements vary by state — some require an odometer reading, emissions test, or notarized affidavit. LastingPath's vehicle transfer wizard provides state-specific instructions and required documents.

What is a Letters Testamentary?

A Letters Testamentary is a court document that officially grants the executor authority to act on behalf of the estate. It is issued by the probate court after the will is validated. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies require Letters Testamentary before they will release assets or information. If there is no will, the equivalent document is called Letters of Administration.

How long does estate administration typically take?

Simple estates take 6–12 months to fully settle, while complex estates with real property, business interests, or contested claims can take 1–3 years. Key milestones include obtaining the EIN (week 1), filing IRS and SSA notifications (month 1), completing probate (months 3–12), and making final distributions. LastingPath provides a personalized timeline and deadline tracker for your estate.

Can I handle estate administration without a lawyer?

Yes, for straightforward estates with clear beneficiaries, no disputes, and assets below the estate tax threshold, many executors handle administration themselves. LastingPath provides guided wizards for every form and task, AI-powered assistance for questions, and state-specific guidance. For complex situations involving business assets, tax planning, or family disputes, consulting an estate attorney is recommended.

Getting Started

What to Do in the First 72 Hours After a Death

7 min read·Published March 1, 2026·By LastingPath Team

The First 72 Hours Matter — But Not How You Think

The first three days after a loved one passes are overwhelming. You are grieving, and yet there are decisions that genuinely need your attention. The good news: most administrative deadlines are weeks or months away. The bad news: a few things really do need to happen quickly, and missing them can cost your family thousands of dollars.

This guide breaks down exactly what to do — and what to skip — in the first 72 hours.

Day 1: Immediate Priorities

Obtain a legal pronouncement of death. If the death occurred at home, call 911 or the deceased's physician. A hospice nurse can also make this pronouncement. You cannot proceed with anything else until this step is complete.

Contact a funeral home. Even if you have not decided on burial vs. cremation, a funeral home can take custody of the remains and begin the death certificate process. They will need the deceased's full legal name, Social Security number, date of birth, and next of kin information.

Order 10-15 certified death certificates. This is the single most common mistake families make — ordering too few. Every bank, insurance company, government agency, and creditor will require an original certified copy. Ordering extras now costs $10-25 each; ordering later involves weeks of delay and higher fees.

Notify immediate family and close friends. Designate one person to handle calls and messages so the primary executor or next of kin is not overwhelmed.

Day 2: Financial Protection

Notify Social Security. Call 1-800-772-1213. If the deceased was receiving benefits, any payments deposited after the month of death must be returned. The sooner you report, the fewer clawback complications you face.

Secure the deceased's home. Change locks if necessary, collect mail, and ensure the property is insured. Do not dispose of any belongings — everything is potentially part of the estate.

Locate the will and estate documents. Check the deceased's home, safe deposit box, and attorney's office. The will names the executor, who has legal authority to act on behalf of the estate.

Freeze or monitor financial accounts. Contact the deceased's bank to prevent unauthorized transactions. You do not need to close accounts yet — just ensure they are secure.

Day 3: Setting Up for What Comes Next

Gather key documents. You will need: the death certificate, Social Security card, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), military discharge papers (DD-214), insurance policies, and any trust documents.

Begin a task checklist. The full estate administration process involves 47+ forms and filings. A structured checklist prevents missed deadlines and duplicated effort.

Consider whether you need an EIN. If the estate will earn income (interest, rent, dividends), you need an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. This is free and can be done online in minutes using Form SS-4.

What Can Wait

Do not rush to file probate, distribute assets, pay creditors, or close accounts. These tasks have specific legal timelines and doing them out of order can create liability. Focus on the immediate priorities above, and tackle the rest methodically over the coming weeks.

Your Next Step

LastingPath's personalized estate checklist organizes all 47+ tasks by deadline and priority, so nothing falls through the cracks. Create your free estate checklist to see exactly what applies to your situation.

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Disclaimer: LastingPath is not a law firm and does not provide legal or tax advice. This article provides general information only. Laws vary by state and individual circumstances differ — consult a licensed attorney or CPA for advice specific to your situation.