Farra is a death administration assistant for UK families. Get step-by-step guidance for registering a death, applying for probate, notifying banks, and managing bereavement admin. From essential documents to practical checklists, Farra simplifies estate paperwork and funeral-related tasks so you can focus on what matters.
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When someone dies, notifying HMRC is one of the key tasks for the executor or next of kin. This guide explains exactly who to contact, what to say, what documents you will need, and how long HMRC takes to process a bereavement notification.
HMRC bereavement contact details
Phone: 0300 200 3300 — Mon–Fri 8am–6pm
Online: Tell Us Once — notify HMRC and other departments online
The Tell Us Once service at gov.uk/tell-us-once notifies HMRC automatically when you report the death. HMRC will then contact you about any outstanding tax affairs, tax returns, or refunds due.
HMRC needs to know about all income received by the deceased up to and including the date of death. This covers employment income, pension income, rental income, savings interest, and self-employment income.
If the deceased completed Self Assessment tax returns, a final return covering the tax year up to the date of death must be submitted. Contact HMRC's bereavement team to arrange this.
If the deceased paid too much tax, HMRC will issue a refund to the estate. You will need to provide details of the executor or administrator and the estate bank account.
Have multiple certified copies of the death certificate ready. Banks and financial institutions each require an original or certified copy — you cannot usually pass a single copy between organisations. See our guide to how many death certificates you need.
HMRC typically takes 4–12 weeks to process a bereavement notification once all required documents have been received.
During this period, accounts or services will typically be frozen until the estate is administered. This means no new transactions can be authorised.
HMRC must receive any Inheritance Tax due within 6 months of the date of death to avoid interest charges. Income tax and Inheritance Tax are handled by different HMRC teams.
Once HMRC receives your notification and confirms receipt, the account or service will be frozen and no new transactions will be authorised. Estate administration can then begin.
HMRC will confirm receipt of your notification and advise you of any next steps required to close or transfer the account or policy. Keep a record of all correspondence and reference numbers for the estate file.
Do not delay notifying HMRC
Direct debits and standing orders may continue to be charged after death. Some organisations treat the estate as the debtor for any charges incurred before notification. Notifying HMRC promptly protects the estate from unnecessary costs.
Notify the Department for Work and Pensions of a death. Use the Bereavement Service (0800 731 0469) or Tell Us Once to cancel State Pension, benefits, and claim Bereavement Support Payment.
Tell Us Once is a free GOV.UK service that notifies HMRC, DWP, DVLA, Passport Office, and your local council in a single step. Get your reference from the registrar. Full guide.
Cancel a deceased person's passport via Tell Us Once or by posting it to HM Passport Office. No fee. Prevents identity fraud. Full guide.
Use Tell Us Once to notify your local council of a death — covers council tax, housing benefit, blue badge, and library membership. Step-by-step guide.
Tell Us Once automatically notifies the electoral register. If not used, contact your local Electoral Registration Office directly. No fee, no forms. Full guide.
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