Task

Notify close friends and family

Notify employer

Secure assets

Arrange funeral

Order death certificates

Retain attorney

Submit will to court

Cancel unneeded services

Request Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Notify Social Security

Determine heirs

Start probate process if required/desired

Notify heirs

Establish family allowance if applicable

Forward mail

Notify life insurance companies

Notify IRAs and similar beneficiary accounts

Notify other agencies (DMV, etc.)

Notify extended acquaintances

File IRS Form S6

Open estate bank account

Inventory assets

Publish notice of death

Debt claims deadline expired

Inventory debts

Determine estate solvency

Resolve debts

Plan asset allocation

Pay local property taxes

Provide Schedule K-1 to any trust beneficiaries

Submit final decedent income tax forms (1040)

Submit estate income tax forms (1041)

Deal with state filings

Submit personal liability discharge (5495)

Submit estate tax form (706) if needed

Submit federal heir forms (8971) if needed

Receive federal estate tax closing letter (627) if needed

Make all distributions

Compensate executor

Submit probate final accounting

Submit probate closing statement

Close estate bank account