After a loss

The first few days

What happens first depends on where your loved one died. The National Institute on Aging explains that if your loved one was in hospice, a plan is usually already in place. If not, the doctor, medical examiner, or a funeral home can tell you how to proceed. A doctor, medical examiner, or hospice nurse completes the forms needed for the official death certificate.

Death certificates

Many organizations ask for a certified copy of the death certificate. USA.gov explains that you order certified copies from the vital records office in the state where the death occurred, and that some tasks only need a photocopy. Ask each organization what it requires.

Social Security and Medicare

The Social Security Administration says funeral homes generally report deaths to SSA. If not, call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) with your loved one's name, Social Security number, date of birth, and date of death. SSA notifies Medicare. Benefits are not paid for the month of death, so any payment received for that month must be returned. Ask about survivor benefits when you call.

Accounts and notifications

USA.gov lists government agencies and businesses to notify, including banks, credit card companies, credit bureaus, utilities, and memberships. Keep a log of who you contacted, when, and what they asked for. Our tracker includes simple letter templates you can adapt.

Taxes and the estate

A final income tax return is usually required. IRS Publication 559 covers the duties of survivors, executors, and administrators. Court steps, creditor notices, and deadlines depend on state law and the size and type of the estate, so a probate attorney should set the legal timeline.

Easy-to-miss details after a death

These details trip up many families. Each one is general information. Ask an estate or elder law attorney, or a CPA, what applies in your loved one's state.

• A power of attorney ends at death. The agent can no longer sign, pay bills, or close accounts. The executor named in a will, or an administrator, generally has authority only after the probate court appoints them.
• Do not close bank accounts right away, and do not pay a loved one's debts from your own money. Debts are generally paid from the estate in an order set by state law. Family members usually are not personally responsible unless they co-signed, held a joint account, or state law makes a spouse responsible. A few states have filial responsibility laws, so ask an attorney before paying anything. See the CFPB on debts after death and the FTC on debts and deceased relatives.
• Debt collectors may contact relatives only to find the executor, and may not say you owe the debt yourself. The CFPB explains your rights with collectors.
• Social Security is not paid for the month of death. Do not cash a paper check, and ask the bank to return any direct deposit for that month and later. Keep the account open until that is settled. See SSA publication 05-10008.
• A final income tax return is usually due, and the estate may need its own return. See IRS: file the final income tax returns of a deceased person. Inherited property generally gets a new tax basis at death, which differs from property given away while living. IRS Publication 551 explains basis.
• Beneficiary designations on life insurance and retirement accounts, and accounts or deeds marked payable on death or transfer on death, usually pass to the named person outside the will. Joint accounts usually pass to the surviving owner. Ask each company what it needs.
• If there is a reverse mortgage, it usually comes due after the last borrower dies. Call the servicer early. See the CFPB on reverse mortgages after death.
• Tell the homeowners insurer the home is empty, because many policies limit coverage for a vacant home. Keep heat and water service on so pipes do not freeze, and check the home often.
• Homestead, senior, or property tax freeze exemptions may end after a death. Ask the county assessor.
• Secure any firearms and leftover medications in the home, and keep valuables and papers locked away.
• Thieves sometimes use the identity of someone who died. Ask the credit bureaus to flag the file as deceased, and report misuse at IdentityTheft.gov.
• Keep car insurance until the vehicle is sold or transferred. Your state motor vehicle agency explains title transfers.
• Make a plan for any pets right away. The free pet plan helps.
• Do not log in with a loved one's passwords. See digital accounts after a death.

Next step, before listing

Get matched with a trusted local real estate agent (free)

If the estate includes a home that may be sold, there is no rush. When the executor or administrator has authority to sell, an agent experienced with inherited homes can help.

A good local agent can help with:

• Experience working with older adults, families, and estates
• Pricing the home to fair market value, which matters for Medicaid, taxes, and any family sale
• Coordinating with the executor, the person with power of attorney, or the attorney
• Deciding whether to sell as-is or make repairs first

Before you list, finish the checks: the Medicaid look-back and fair market value, any reverse mortgage, power of attorney or executor authority, the deed and title, and vacant home insurance.

Request a free agent match

Free to your family, in any state. We'll review your request and follow up. See the referral disclosure at the bottom of this page.

What to do first

1. Get the death pronounced and contact a funeral home or cremation provider.
2. Secure the home, vehicles, mail, and any pets.
3. Order several certified copies of the death certificate.
4. Confirm the funeral home reported the death to Social Security, or call SSA yourself.
5. Locate the will, trust documents, and a list of accounts.
6. Contact a probate or estate attorney before paying debts or distributing anything.
7. Notify banks, insurers, pension administrators, and other organizations, and keep a log.

Common questions

Who reports the death to Social Security?

SSA says funeral homes generally report the death. If not, call SSA at 1-800-772-1213. SSA only takes death reports by phone or in person.

How many death certificates do we need?

It depends on how many accounts and agencies are involved. Ask each organization whether it needs a certified copy or will accept a photocopy, then order from the state vital records office.

Do we have to file a final tax return?

Generally yes. IRS Publication 559 explains filing for a person who died. A tax professional can tell you what applies.

Should we pay our loved one's bills right away?

Talk with a probate attorney first. Debts are usually paid from the estate in a set order, and family members are not always responsible for them.

Are we responsible for our loved one's debts?

Usually not from your own money. Debts are generally paid from the estate. Exceptions include co-signers, joint account holders, and some spouses under state law, and a few states have filial responsibility laws. Ask an estate attorney before paying anything. The CFPB and FTC explain your rights with debt collectors.

Can I still use the power of attorney?

No. A power of attorney ends at death. The executor or administrator generally has authority only after the probate court appoints them. An estate attorney can explain the steps in your loved one's state.

When to bring in a licensed professional

Kinhaven handles the organizing. These decisions call for someone licensed:

• A probate or estate attorney for the will, court process, creditor deadlines, and transferring property.
• A CPA or enrolled agent for final income tax and any estate or trust returns.
• A financial advisor for accounts, beneficiary claims, and investments.
• A licensed appraiser if a date-of-death value is needed for the home or other property.

Sources and further reading

• National Institute on Aging: What to do after someone dies
• USA.gov: How to get a certified copy of a death certificate
• USA.gov: Agencies to notify when someone dies
• USA.gov: Report the death of a Social Security or Medicare beneficiary
• Social Security Administration: What to do when someone dies
• Social Security Administration: Survivor benefits
• IRS Publication 559, Survivors, Executors, and Administrators

Links go to public government resources. Kinhaven is not affiliated with these agencies.