Canada · Official publisher guide · Updated October 11, 2026
Executor checklist for Canada
Use these headings to organise what you know, what is missing and who can help. This is a records checklist, not authority to administer an estate or a list of legal requirements for every province.
Identity, authority and key documents
- Full name, date of death, address and province or territory.
- Official proof of death and where further copies can be ordered.
- Original will, document location and named executor's contact details.
- Lawyer or Québec notary, accountant and relevant court documents.
- A secure record of references the institutions request, including the SIN where appropriate.
Accounts, benefits and insurance
- Bank, credit union, credit-card and investment accounts.
- RRSP/RRIF and TFSA providers, statements and beneficiary records.
- CPP/OAS or QPP details and workplace or private pension contacts.
- Life insurance, mortgage insurance and property policies.
- Loans, mortgage, utilities, subscriptions and other regular bills.
Record how an asset is held and any beneficiary information. Ask the institution or adviser how it should be handled; do not infer legal ownership or tax treatment from this list alone.
One notification log
For every contact, record: organisation; person or department; date; documents requested; reference number; next action; follow-up date. Keep notifications to Service Canada, the CRA and each private organisation distinct.
Estate inventory and expense records
- Property details, mortgage statements and insurance.
- Asset descriptions, supporting statements and valuations requested by advisers.
- Debts and creditor correspondence.
- Invoices and receipts for funeral, professional and other estate expenses.
- A record of money received, payments made and decisions still awaiting advice.
Tax and provincial procedure calendar
Identify the relevant CRA return deadlines, any outstanding returns and provincial estate requirements. In Ontario, an Estate Information Return is generally due within 180 calendar days of receiving the estate certificate; see the provincial guide. Other provinces have different requirements.
Before distribution, review whether a CRA clearance certificate is needed. A legal representative who distributes assets while tax remains owing can become personally responsible up to the value distributed.
If you are filling this in before a death
Give the intended executor a clear document-location record, not just a folder of forms. Tell them where it lives. Review it after moving, changing providers, updating a will or changing beneficiary information.
For the order of work, read what to do after a death in Canada. For guided fill-in sheets and the action plan, compare the kits and read the reviews and buying guide.