1. Pause correspondence
Get in touch with the ATO, banks, utilities to advise them your family member has passed away.

2. Determine who will manage the deceased's financial affairs
The Will should nominate someone as the executor, the executor is responsible to manage the financial affairs of the deceased.

3. Decide if you need a grant of probate or letters of administration
If the deceased does not have a Will you may need to apply for Letters of Administration. Probate will legally recognise the Will. The process can be overwhelming, seek assistance from a solicitor.

4. Let the ATO know who is managing the estate
Advise the ATO that you, the executor, have the authority to act on behalf of the deceased.

5. Manage any business tax obligations
If the deceased is running a business, you will need to get all BAS and income tax obligations up to date. If the deceased was a director of a company, ensure you have the authority to act as the director.

6. Lodge a final tax return for the deceased person
You will need to ensure all the outstanding tax returns for the deceased are lodged. Please note, any income earned after the date of death is not included on their final return.

7. Lodge tax returns for the deceased estate
If the deceased has significant assets, you may need to create a Deceased Estate Trust, your accountant will be able to guide you on this. For three years after death, the deceased estate trust is taxed as an individual.



8. Finalise tax affairs
Ensure all tax returns are lodged before distributing the funds from the estate. As the executor, you can be held personally liable for unpaid tax of the estate.