Dealing with the estate of someone who's died
Distributing the estate
Once you have paid any debts and taxes, or you are sure the estate has enough money to do so, distribute the estate according to:
- the will
- the law if there’s no will
You may have to pay any remaining debts and tax bills yourself if you distribute the estate and do not keep enough money or assets in the estate to pay them.
If you paid tax on any income during the administration period, give anyone receiving that income a completed statement of income from estates form.
There is guidance for beneficiaries about tax on property, money and shares they inherit.
If you distribute property
If you are passing on a property you must update the property register with HM Land Registry.
Prepare final accounts
Once all the estate is distributed you can prepare the final estate accounts. These should be approved and signed by you and the main beneficiaries.