What does an executor do first in BC?

A plain checklist of first steps after the funeral, based on the BC and Government of Canada checklists.

Updated September 29, 2026

If you're the executor, or the family member looking after things, there is a lot to do after the funeral, but it doesn't all have to happen at once. This checklist follows the BC government's After a Death guide and the Government of Canada's What to do when someone dies. Not every step will apply to you. BC also has a printable After a Death Checklist (PDF).

This is general information. A lawyer can advise you on your own duties as executor.

1. Find the will

BC's Vital Statistics Agency keeps a wills registry. It doesn't hold wills, but people can register a "wills notice" that says where their will is kept. A search result shows the date the will was signed, where it was kept at the time and when the notice was filed.

After a death, anyone can request a search. Send the Application for Search of Wills Notice (form VSA 532) with a photocopy of the death certificate and payment, by mail or at a Service BC counter. The Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey Service BC offices don't offer this service.
As of September 2026, a search costs $20, plus $5 for each other name the person used. Results print within 20 business days, plus mailing time. Courier delivery costs $33 more.
If you apply for probate, you must include a wills notice search, even if you already have the will.
If the search says the will is at a law firm you can't find, contact the Law Society of British Columbia at 604-669-2533 or 1-800-903-5300.

2. Get death certificates

A funeral home usually registers the death. Anyone can order a BC death certificate online, by mail or at some Service BC locations. As of September 2026, each certificate costs $27 by mail, or $60 by courier. How many you need depends on the organizations you deal with. In many cases you can make your own copies, but some organizations need a certified copy. For notifying the federal government, the funeral home's statement of death is enough in most cases.

3. Notify the federal government

Social Insurance Number. When a death happens in a Canadian province, the provincial vital statistics agency tells the SIN program automatically. You don't need to.
CPP and Old Age Security. If the person received CPP or OAS, tell Service Canada as soon as possible at 1-800-277-9914. The estate is entitled to the payment for the month of death. Payments after that must be returned.
CPP death and survivor benefits. These need their own applications. See How does the CPP death benefit work?
Canada Revenue Agency. Report the date of death as soon as possible, even if the person wasn't receiving benefits. Call 1-800-959-8281, or mail form RC4111.
Passport. Mail a valid passport, a copy of the death certificate and a note saying whether to destroy or return it, to Passport Program, Gatineau QC K1A 0G3.

4. Plan for the final tax return

The final return is due April 30 of the following year if the death was between January 1 and October 31. If the death was between November 1 and December 31, it is due six months after the date of death. Later dates apply if the person or their spouse was self-employed.

Before you distribute the estate's assets, the CRA says you will need a clearance certificate. If you distribute assets without one and tax is owing, you can be personally liable, up to the value of what you distributed. It is requested after the returns have been filed and assessed.

5. Notify BC agencies

MSP. BC's Vital Statistics Agency tells Health Insurance BC about deaths in BC. Contact Health Insurance BC at 1-800-663-7100 only if the person died outside BC, or if MSP records still aren't updated after 60 days.
Driver's licence, BCID or BC Services Card. Bring the card and an uncertified copy of the death certificate to any ICBC driver licensing office, or mail them to ICBC Licensing Unit, PO Box 3750, Victoria, BC V8W 3Y5.
Vehicles and vehicle insurance. An Autoplan broker can cancel or change the insurance and help transfer ownership. ICBC: 1-800-910-4222.
BC public sector pensions. If the person belonged to the College, Public Service, Teachers', Municipal or WorkSafeBC pension plan, notify BC Pension Corporation at 1-800-663-8823. A spouse or children may be eligible for survivor's benefits.
WorkSafeBC, if the person had an active claim: 1-888-967-5377.
BC Housing, if the person received subsidized housing or rental assistance: 1-866-465-6873.
Land and property. BC Land Title and Survey recommends talking to a legal professional about changing the title to a property.

Elections BC is told automatically about deaths in BC.

6. Banks, pensions, insurance and credit

Banks, credit unions and investment firms, to access funds or close accounts. They may ask for the will and, in some cases, a grant of probate. See Do you need probate in BC?
Employer pensions, group benefits, life insurance and extended health plans, to cancel payments and claim any benefits
Credit card companies, including store cards
The two credit bureaus, Equifax and TransUnion, to reduce the risk of fraud
Utilities, phone, internet, subscriptions and online accounts

7. Mail

Canada Post can forward mail. To act for someone who has died, Canada Post asks for your own ID, proof of death (such as a death certificate or funeral director's certificate), and proof that you are the legal representative, such as a grant of probate or letters of administration, or its own statutory declaration form.

8. Keep good records

The BC government lists the executor's main duties. They include making a list of all assets and debts, paying valid debts, filing tax returns, and preparing accounts of what came in and went out. An executor can be held personally liable for valid debts left unpaid after the estate is distributed. Keep a copy of every bill you pay and every payment you receive.

If you need more death certificates, we can order them for you. Contact us if you need a hand.