Who do I need to notify when someone dies in Ontario?

As executor you must notify the Canada Revenue Agency, Service Canada (for CPP and OAS), all financial institutions, the deceased's employer or pension administrator, insurance companies, Service Ontario, Canada Post, and all subscription and utility providers. Missing institutions can mean the estate loses benefits it was entitled to or continues to be billed for services.

How do I notify CRA of a death in Ontario?

Call CRA at 1-800-959-8281 and notify them of the death. You will need the deceased's Social Insurance Number and the date of death. CRA will update their records and advise on required tax returns. You must also file a terminal T1 return covering the period from January 1 to the date of death.

How do I claim the CPP death benefit?

Apply for the CPP death benefit by submitting Service Canada form ISP1200 along with a copy of the death certificate. The benefit is a one-time payment of up to $2,500 paid to the estate or a qualifying survivor. Applications must be submitted within 60 days of death for the estate to receive it.

What documents do I need to notify institutions of a death in Ontario?

You will need multiple certified copies of the death certificate (order at least 10), the deceased's Social Insurance Number, the will, your Certificate of Appointment (if probate was required), and your own government-issued ID. Some institutions also require a notarised letter of direction.

Who to Notify When Someone Dies in Ontario: The Complete Executor Checklist

As executor, one of your first tasks is notifying the right organisations that your loved one has died. Banks, government departments, benefit programs, insurers — each has its own process. Miss one and the estate could lose benefits it was entitled to, or continue being charged for services it no longer needs.

Documents to have ready before notifying anyone

Every institution you contact will ask for some combination of the following. Gather them before you start making calls:

Certified copies of the death certificate — order at least 10 from ServiceOntario
The Social Insurance Number (SIN) of the deceased
The will — certified copy or original
Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee — if probate was required
Your government-issued photo ID as executor
Account numbers and policy numbers for financial accounts and insurance policies
The deceased's most recent tax return — some institutions ask for this to verify identity

Government and benefit programs

These are the most time-sensitive notifications. Government benefits that continue after death create an overpayment that the estate may have to repay. Some benefits — like the CPP death benefit — must be claimed within a specific window or the estate loses them.

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

Call 1-800-959-8281 to notify CRA of the death. Have the SIN and date of death ready.
CRA will advise which returns are required — at minimum, a terminal T1 covering January 1 to date of death.
Cancel any direct deposit arrangements and GST/HST credit payments.
If the deceased was self-employed, notify the business tax line separately at 1-800-959-5525.

Service Canada — CPP and OAS

CPP Death Benefit: A one-time payment of up to $2,500 to the estate. Apply using form ISP1200. Submit within 60 days of death — the estate may lose this benefit if the application is late.
CPP Survivor's Pension: If the deceased had a spouse or common-law partner, they may be eligible. Apply using form ISP1000.
OAS/GIS: Cancel Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement payments immediately to avoid overpayments the estate will have to repay.
Call Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914 or visit a Service Canada office.

ServiceOntario

Driver's licence: Surrender the deceased's Ontario driver's licence to ServiceOntario. Bring the death certificate.
Health card (OHIP): Return the health card to ServiceOntario. OHIP coverage ends on the date of death.
Vehicle permits: If the estate includes vehicles, notify ServiceOntario and transfer or cancel registrations.

Elections Canada and provincial electoral authority

Notify Elections Canada to remove the deceased from the national register of electors.
For Ontario: also notify Elections Ontario.
This prevents identity fraud during future elections.

Veterans Affairs (if applicable)

If the deceased was a veteran receiving benefits, notify Veterans Affairs Canada at 1-866-522-2122.
The estate may be entitled to a funeral benefit or other survivor benefits.

Financial institutions

Notify all banks, credit unions, and investment firms where the deceased held accounts. Each institution will freeze the deceased's sole accounts and begin the transfer or close-out process. Do not attempt to withdraw from sole accounts before the institution is notified — this can create legal complications.

Banks and credit unions

Notify each bank where the deceased held accounts — bring certified death certificate and your executor ID.
Joint accounts with a surviving account holder continue — notify the bank to remove the deceased's name.
Sole accounts are frozen — the institution will guide you through the estate process.
Request a final account statement and interest calculation to the date of death for each account.
Cancel all preauthorised payments and direct deposits immediately.
Cancel all credit cards in the deceased's name — request final statements.

Investment accounts — RRSPs, TFSAs, RRIFs, non-registered

RRSP/RRIF: Assets pass to a named beneficiary or to the estate depending on the account. Contact the financial institution immediately — RRSP/RRIF collapses are taxable and must be handled correctly.
TFSA: If a successor holder (spouse) is named, the TFSA transfers to them with no tax consequences. If a beneficiary (non-spouse) is named, the TFSA is collapsed and paid to them. Contact the institution to begin the process.
Non-registered investments: Contact the institution for account transfer or liquidation instructions.

Mortgage lender

Notify the mortgage lender if the property is part of the estate.
Mortgage payments must continue until the property is sold or transferred — the estate is responsible.
If the deceased had mortgage insurance, notify the insurer to make a claim.

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Insurance companies

Life insurance

Contact each insurer where the deceased held a policy.
Named beneficiaries receive their proceeds directly — these do not go through the estate.
If the estate is the beneficiary, file a claim and the proceeds form part of the estate assets.
Check for group life insurance through an employer — this is often overlooked.

Other insurance

Home insurance: Notify the insurer — coverage may need to be modified if the property is vacant. An unoccupied property may not be covered under the standard policy.
Auto insurance: Cancel or transfer vehicle insurance.
Travel insurance: Cancel any active policies and check if any claims are pending.
Critical illness / disability insurance: If the deceased had active policies, check for any outstanding claims before cancelling.

Employer, pension, and professional

Employer (if still employed or recently retired)

Notify HR — they will advise on final pay, vacation payouts, group benefits, and group life insurance.
Request a Record of Employment if applicable.
Cancel any group benefits (extended health, dental) from the date of death.

Pension administrator

Contact the pension plan administrator if the deceased was receiving a pension.
A surviving spouse may be entitled to a survivor pension — do not assume, ask explicitly.
Final pension payment may be clawed back if not immediately cancelled — notify quickly.

Professional associations and licences

Cancel any professional memberships (law society, medical college, trade associations).
Cancel any professional licences — some require formal notification to avoid ongoing fees.

Utilities and subscriptions

These are often the last notifications made — but failing to cancel them means the estate continues to pay for services it doesn't need.

Utilities and ongoing services

Hydro/electricity: Transfer to estate account or cancel if property is being sold.
Gas: Transfer or cancel.
Internet and cable: Cancel — providers require a death certificate.
Telephone/cellphone: Cancel the contract — notify the carrier.
Canada Post: Redirect mail to your address as executor using Canada Post's mail forwarding service. This captures bills and financial correspondence you might otherwise miss.

Subscriptions and memberships

Streaming services (Netflix, Spotify, etc.) — cancel to stop billing.
Gym or club memberships — cancel and request any prepaid refund.
Magazine and newspaper subscriptions — cancel.
Online accounts — note any accounts with financial value (PayPal balances, loyalty points above certain thresholds may be estate assets).

Property and land

Land Registry Office (Ontario)

If real property passes to the estate, the title transfer requires registration with the Land Registry Office.
This typically requires probate (Certificate of Appointment).
Consult a real estate lawyer to manage the title transfer — this is not a DIY process.

Municipality

Notify the municipality for property tax billing — update the name on the account.
If the deceased received any municipal tax credits (senior discount etc.), cancel them.

Frequently asked questions

How many copies of the death certificate do I need in Ontario?

Order at least 10 certified copies. Banks, investment firms, and government offices each require an original certified copy. You will almost certainly run out if you order fewer than 10. Additional copies can be ordered later but it takes time and delays your notifications.

What is the CPP death benefit and how do I claim it?

The CPP death benefit is a one-time payment of up to $2,500 paid to the estate of a deceased CPP contributor. Apply using Service Canada form ISP1200 along with the death certificate. Submit within 60 days of the date of death — the estate forfeits the benefit if the application is too late.

Do I need probate before I can notify financial institutions?

You can notify financial institutions of the death at any time — no probate required. However, institutions will not release funds or transfer assets from sole accounts without probate (or confirmation that the account is below their internal threshold). Notify them early so the process is underway by the time probate is granted.

What happens if government benefits continue after death?

If OAS, CPP, or other government benefits continue to be paid after the date of death, the estate must repay the overpayment. Notify Service Canada and CRA promptly to stop payments. The sooner you notify, the smaller the overpayment to deal with.