Next Steps After Losing a Loved One

☐ Notify Others: The people you will need to contact include, but are not limited to family members, friends, employers, coworkers, plus personal and professional acquaintances.

☐ Gather Documents: You will need to obtain the Death Certificate. We recommend long form only since most institutions do not accept short form. You will need it to access financial accounts, to file a claim for life insurance, as well as addressing other personal affairs.

☐ Create an EIN for the Estate: Most Estates will need to have a new Taxpayer Identification number. This step can be completed by visiting EIN Individual Request - Online Application (irs.gov). To complete the application, you will need the following information:

• For the Deceased Individual: Full Name, date of death, SSN.

• For the Estate: Resident County and State where the Estate is probated. The date when the Estate was created/funded/probated (month and year).

• For the Executor: Full name of the Estate Executor, Social Security Number, address, phone number, and e-mail address.

• if the deceased had a Trust in place, you will need the Type and Name of the Trust.

Additional Recommendations:

☐ Search for and list all Assets and Debt information.

☐ Ensure that all expenses from your loved one are paid for from assets located within the Estate. Below are some examples.

• Funeral Expenses

• Lawyer or Accountant fees

• Mortgage

• Utilities

• Probate Fees

• Taxes

• All other claims as of the date of death

☐ Cancel any subscriptions and services that are no longer needed.