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

Complete Executor Duties Checklist: Everything You Need to Do

7 min read · Updated February 14, 2026

Being an Executor Is a Big Job

Serving as executor of an estate is one of the most significant administrative responsibilities a person can take on. The process typically takes 6 to 18 months from start to finish, involves legal, financial, and tax dimensions, and requires careful record-keeping throughout. This checklist organizes the key duties by timeframe.

First Week After Death

Obtain multiple certified copies of the death certificate (order 10–12 from the funeral director or vital records office)
Notify the Social Security Administration of the death — call 1-800-772-1213 (this is time-sensitive to stop overpayments)
Secure the deceased's home, vehicles, and other physical assets
Locate and secure the original will, trust documents, and any letter of instruction
Notify close family and friends
Arrange for ongoing mail to be forwarded or monitored
If the deceased had pets, make arrangements for their care

First Month

Meet with an estate attorney if the estate is complex or you're uncertain about the process
File the will with the probate court if probate is required
Obtain Letters Testamentary (court document proving your authority as executor)
Apply for an EIN for the estate using IRS Form SS-4 (takes 15 minutes online)
Open a dedicated estate bank account using the EIN and Letters Testamentary
Notify all known banks, investment accounts, and financial institutions of the death
Contact the deceased's employer to handle final paycheck, life insurance, 401(k)
Notify the U.S. Postal Service to forward the deceased's mail to you
Cancel or transfer utilities, subscriptions, and other recurring services
Begin inventorying all assets: bank accounts, investments, real estate, personal property
Review all credit cards and identify recurring subscriptions to cancel
Begin searching for life insurance policies

Within 3 Months

File IRS Form 56 to notify the IRS of your role as fiduciary
Complete a thorough inventory of all estate assets with current values (some may need professional appraisal)
Identify all debts and creditors
Publish notice to creditors in a local newspaper (required by most states' probate laws)
Notify known creditors in writing via certified mail
File claims for any life insurance policies — submit death certificate and claim forms
File for VA burial benefits if the deceased was a veteran (within 2 years of burial)
File for Social Security survivor benefits if applicable
Begin the process for any real estate that needs to be sold or transferred

3 to 6 Months

Pay valid creditor claims from estate funds (typically after the creditor claim period expires)
Continue managing and preserving estate assets (maintain insurance on property, pay property taxes)
Work with a CPA or tax professional to prepare the final individual income tax return (Form 1040) for the period from January 1 through the date of death
Determine whether an estate income tax return (Form 1041) is required — required if the estate earns more than $600 in income during administration
Determine whether a federal estate tax return (Form 706) is required — required only if the gross estate exceeds the federal exemption ($13.99 million in 2025); some states have lower thresholds

6 to 12 Months

File the deceased's final Form 1040 (due April 15 of the year following death)
File Form 1041 for the estate if applicable (due April 15 or the 15th day of the 4th month after the estate's fiscal year end)
Sell estate assets that need to be liquidated to pay debts or per the will's instructions
Address any real property — sell, transfer title, or transfer to beneficiaries per the will
Liquidate or transfer retirement accounts, investment accounts, and other assets as appropriate
Transfer vehicle titles through the DMV

Final Steps

Confirm all debts and taxes have been paid
Prepare a final accounting of all receipts and disbursements during estate administration
Submit the final accounting to the probate court if required (and to beneficiaries)
Obtain court approval to distribute the estate if formal probate is open
Distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries per the will or intestacy law
Obtain signed receipts from all beneficiaries acknowledging receipt of their distributions
Close the estate bank account
File the final Form 56 with the IRS terminating your fiduciary relationship
File a petition with the probate court to close the estate and discharge you as executor

Keep Copies of Everything

Throughout this entire process, keep copies of every document you file, every letter you send, every receipt you receive, and every distribution you make. These records protect you as executor if any beneficiary later disputes your administration of the estate.

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.