Ontario's estate process has no instruction manual. These are the moments where executors most commonly make costly, avoidable mistakes.
01
Missing the CPP death benefit
Executors don't know the full list of who to notify. CPP's $2,500 death benefit is missed in roughly 30% of Ontario estates.
Our knowledge base includes a complete checklist of who to notify and exactly what each institution requires.
02
Applying for probate unnecessarily
Many estates don't need a Certificate of Appointment. Filing anyway costs $1,500+ in Estate Administration Tax and months of delay.
Our intake screener walks you through a probate decision checklist based on your specific assets — before you spend a cent on filing.
03
Missing the Estate Information Return
The EIR must be filed with the Ministry of Finance within 180 days of probate. Most executors have never heard of it.
Your deadline dashboard tracks the EIR due date and sends automatic email reminders before the window closes.
04
Distributing before the creditor window
Under Ontario's Trustee Act, you must wait 30 days after a creditor notice. Distribute early and you're personally liable for unpaid debts.
Your deadline dashboard tracks the creditor window and flags it as open until the 30 days have officially passed.
05
The unknown T3 trust return
If the estate earns income after death — interest, rent, dividends — a T3 return is required. CRA sends a letter. By then, interest is accruing.
Your intake flags potential T3 obligation from your asset types and adds the deadline to your dashboard automatically.
06
Closing without CRA clearance
Distribute before receiving the TX19 Clearance Certificate and you're personally liable if CRA reassesses the estate — even years later.
Your deadline dashboard keeps the TX19 clearance step visible and overdue until you confirm it's complete.