Ontario executor guides

Everything an Ontario executor needs to know

Plain-language guides written for Ontario's estate process. No legal jargon — just the information you need to do this correctly.

Critical deadline
Ontario's Estate Information Return: the 180-day filing most executors miss
The EIR must be filed with the Ministry of Finance within 180 days of receiving probate. Most executors have never heard of it.
10 min read · EIR · Estate Admin Tax→
 Probate basics
Do you actually need probate in Ontario? A practical decision guide
Not every Ontario estate needs a Certificate of Appointment. Applying unnecessarily costs $1,500+ and months of delay.
8 min read · Probate · Certificate of Appointment→
 Personal risk
Can an executor be personally liable in Ontario? What you need to know
Yes — distributing too early, missing a tax filing, or skipping a creditor notice can all create personal liability from your own funds.
9 min read · Executor liability→
 Personal risk
Ontario creditor notice: the 30-day rule every executor must follow
Under the Trustee Act, you must publish a notice and wait 30 days before distributing anything. Distribute early and you're personally liable for unpaid debts.
7 min read · Creditor notice · Trustee Act→
 Critical step
CRA clearance certificate (TX19): why you must get one before distributing
Distribute before receiving the TX19 and you're personally liable if CRA reassesses later — even years down the road.
8 min read · CRA · TX19→
 Executor checklist
Who to notify when someone dies in Ontario: the complete executor checklist
Banks, CRA, CPP, Service Canada, insurers — each has its own process. Miss one and the estate could lose benefits it was entitled to.
6 min read · Notifications · Checklist→