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

Managing a Digital Estate: Social Media, Email, and Online Accounts

5 min read · Updated February 12, 2026

The Digital Estate Is Real

A "digital estate" — the collection of online accounts, digital files, subscriptions, and digital assets belonging to a deceased person — has real value and real administrative significance. Ignoring it can mean ongoing charges on credit cards for subscriptions nobody is using, permanent loss of irreplaceable photos and files, and even identity theft using the deceased's credentials.

Managing a digital estate requires a combination of platform-specific processes, state law, and sometimes court orders. Here's how to approach it systematically.

Take Inventory First

Start by making a list of every digital account type the deceased may have had:

Email accounts (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, work email)
Social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, TikTok)
Financial accounts (online banking, PayPal, Venmo, investment platforms)
Shopping accounts (Amazon, eBay, Etsy)
Subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, Adobe, cloud storage services)
Cloud storage (iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox)
Cryptocurrency wallets and exchanges
Domain names and websites
Digital purchases (e-books, music, games)
Password managers

Check credit card and bank statements for recurring charges — these reveal subscription services that may not be obvious otherwise.

Platform-Specific Processes

Google / Gmail: Google's Inactive Account Manager lets users designate a trusted person to access their account after a period of inactivity. If this wasn't set up, family members can submit a request through Google's deceased user process at support.google.com/accounts/troubleshooter/6357590. Google may provide access to email data or delete the account based on the request.

Facebook / Instagram: Facebook allows memorialization of a deceased person's account (it becomes a space for remembrance) or complete removal. A designated "legacy contact" can manage a memorialized account. Submit a request at facebook.com/help/1506822589577997. Instagram follows a similar process.

Apple: Apple's Digital Legacy feature (available since iOS 15.2) lets users designate legacy contacts who can request access to their Apple ID data after death. Without a legacy contact, Apple does not provide account access — their terms of service explicitly terminate with death. A court order may be the only option for accessing an Apple account without a legacy designation.

Twitter/X: Twitter allows family members to deactivate an account or request removal of the deceased's content by submitting a request with a death certificate.

LinkedIn: LinkedIn allows account removal through a request form with proof of death.

Cryptocurrency: The Special Case

Cryptocurrency presents a unique challenge. Unlike bank accounts, crypto is secured by private keys — if you don't have the private key or seed phrase, there is no customer service to call, no password reset, and no court order that can recover the funds. They are simply gone.

If the deceased held cryptocurrency, immediately search for hardware wallets (physical USB-like devices), paper printouts of seed phrases, and any record of exchange accounts (Coinbase, Kraken, Binance, etc.). Exchange accounts can be accessed through the estate process with documentation; self-custodied wallets require the private keys.

Canceling Subscriptions

Work through credit card and bank statements from the past 6–12 months to identify recurring subscription charges. Cancel each one. Common ones to check: streaming services, cloud storage, software subscriptions, magazine subscriptions, gym memberships, and meal kit services. Some companies will issue a refund for unused portions of prepaid subscriptions.

State Law and Court Orders

Many states have enacted versions of the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA), which gives fiduciaries (executors, trustees, agents under power of attorney) legal authority to access a deceased person's digital assets — but the scope varies. Generally, fiduciaries can access non-content data (login records, contact lists) more easily than actual message content.

For accounts with no legacy contact or estate planning provision, a formal court order from the probate court naming you as executor may be the only path to access. Document every step of your process — you may need to demonstrate your authority to reluctant platforms.

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