There are many things that need to be done after a person passes away. If you have made a will, you will have appointed an executor to see to it that your wishes are carried through and your estate is settled. Probably the two most helpful things you can do to help your executor are to discuss your wish to appoint that person (some folks will not want to act as an executor and they may choose to step down so it’s better to know that before appointing him/her) and after that, let that person know where your will is held. Since Funeral Homes need to take direction from executors and since many wills are not read until after the funeral, it’s also best that you discuss your wishes with your executor.
After a Funeral, I always meet with families to go over some of the things that need to be taken care of…there may be benefits available from Canada Pension that we will complete forms for, we will notify the right departments to stop the Old Age Security benefits and GST benefits, help to apply for Life Insurance Claims, return Government Identifications for you such as a Passport, Drivers Licence, Health Card and S.I.N. Card. There is a book that I go through with every family that details many of the things that need attention after a person passes away. There is no charge for this service and it doesn’t matter what type of Funeral Service you choose…it’s something that I believe in doing for you. At the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, we call it “Aftercare”.
A final tax return will need to be completed for the person who passed away. This will need to be done either six months after the death or by April 30, whichever is later. If someone passes away between January 1 to October 31, you will have until April 30 of the following year to complete a final tax return. If someone passes away between November 1 and December 31, you will have six months to complete a final tax return.
These things are just the beginning of settling an estate. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call.
