This ensures that all necessary legal and administrative processes are followed, and it helps to manage and close the decedent’s accounts properly. Here is a list of government agencies you should notify:
1. Social Security Administration (SSA)
Purpose: To stop Social Security payments and potentially apply for any survivor benefits.
How to Notify: You can notify the SSA by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting a local Social Security office.
2. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Purpose: To file the decedent’s final tax return and notify the IRS of the death.
How to Notify: File the final income tax return using Form 1040 and any estate tax returns using Form 706. Also, obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for the estate.
3. State Tax Authority
Purpose: To file state income tax returns and possibly estate or inheritance tax returns.
How to Notify: Contact the state’s department of revenue or tax agency for specific forms and instructions.
4. U.S. Postal Service (USPS)
Purpose: To forward the decedent’s mail and prevent identity theft.
How to Notify: Fill out a change of address form at your local post office or online at the USPS website.
5. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Purpose: To cancel the decedent’s driver’s license and update vehicle registrations.
How to Notify: Visit your local DMV office or check their website for specific instructions.
6. Veterans Affairs (VA)
Purpose: To stop benefits and apply for any eligible survivor benefits or burial benefits.
How to Notify: Contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or visit a local VA office.
7. Social Services Agencies
Purpose: To notify agencies providing benefits such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
How to Notify: Contact the local social services office directly.
8. Pension Plans
Purpose: To notify and manage any pension or retirement benefits the decedent was receiving.
How to Notify: Contact the pension plan administrator or the company’s HR department.
9. Health Insurance Providers
Purpose: To cancel the decedent’s health insurance policy and prevent further premiums from being charged.
How to Notify: Contact the insurance company directly with the death certificate.
10. Financial Institutions
Purpose: To notify banks, credit unions, and investment firms to freeze or transfer accounts.
How to Notify: Provide a death certificate and any necessary estate documentation to each institution.
11. Credit Reporting Agencies
Purpose: To prevent identity theft and fraud.
How to Notify: Send a death certificate to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Each has a specific process for notifying them of a death.
12. Local Probate Court
Purpose: To officially open probate and obtain the authority to act as executor.
How to Notify: File the will and other necessary documents with the local probate court where the decedent lived.
Steps to Notify Government Agencies
Obtain Certified Copies of the Death Certificate: You will need multiple certified copies of the death certificate to provide to various agencies and organizations.
Gather Required Information: Have the decedent’s personal information, Social Security number, and any relevant account numbers ready.
Contact Agencies: Notify each agency as soon as possible to ensure timely processing and to prevent any issues with ongoing benefits or accounts.
Document Communications: Keep a record of all communications, including dates, contact names, and any reference numbers provided.
Conclusion
Notifying the appropriate government agencies is a critical part of your role as executor. It helps ensure that all financial and legal matters are handled correctly, benefits are managed or stopped appropriately, and the estate is settled efficiently. Consulting with an estate attorney can also provide valuable guidance through this process.