For executors in England and Wales

Executor checklist

Everything an executor does, in order: the first week, valuing the estate and checking for Inheritance Tax, applying for probate, then paying debts and sharing out what’s left. Tick things off as you go, or print it.

Based on GOV.UK, checked 3 November 2026. Want it for your situation, with your fee and tax estimate? Get a personalised plan.

The first week

1. Register the death and get several copies of the certificateBanks, pension providers and insurers each want to see one. Ask for extra copies when you register.GOV.UK: what to do when someone dies
2. Use Tell Us OnceIt reports the death to most government organisations in one go. You can use it if they lived in England, Scotland or Wales.GOV.UK: Tell Us Once
3. Find the original willYou need the original, not a photocopy, and the most recent one. Look at home, ask their solicitor, or ask the probate registry. Don’t destroy earlier wills.GOV.UK: if there is a will
4. Secure the home and don’t sell anything yetKeep the property insured and locked up. GOV.UK advises not to make financial plans or put property on the market until you have probate.

Before you apply

5. List everything they owned and owedBank and savings accounts, pensions, investments, life insurance, property, cars and valuables, and any mortgage, loans, cards or bills. Ask each one for the balance on the date of death.
6. Ask each organisation whether it needs probateEvery organisation has its own rules. If none of them needs it, you may not have to apply at all.Do I need probate? 3-question checker
7. Value the estateAdd up the values at the date of death. You need the figures for the probate application even if there is no tax to pay.GOV.UK: value the estate
8. Check for Inheritance TaxTax is 40% above the threshold of £325,000, plus up to £175,000 if a home goes to children or grandchildren. If full details are needed, send form IHT400 within 12 months and before applying for probate. Pay any tax by the end of the sixth month after the death to avoid interest.GOV.UK: Inheritance Tax

Applying for probate

9. Agree who will applyUp to 4 people can be named. An executor who doesn’t want to act can hold “power reserved” or give up the role with form PA15. With no will, the closest living relative applies for letters of administration.
10. Apply online, or by postOnline is faster. By post, use form PA1P if there is a will or PA1A if there is not. Send the original will.GOV.UK: apply for probate
11. Pay the fee and order copies£526 if the estate is worth more than £5,000, nothing if less. Extra official copies are £2 each when you apply, £16 each later, so order one per bank now.GOV.UK: probate fees
12. Wait for the grantIt usually arrives within 12 weeks of applying, longer by post or if more information is needed.

After the grant

13. Send a copy of the grant to each organisationBanks and providers then release or transfer what they hold.
14. Pay debts and any remaining taxPay what the estate owes before you share anything out.
15. Keep the estate accountsRecord every payment in and out, so beneficiaries can see how the figures add up.
16. Share out what’s leftPass on the rest as the will says, or as the law says if there is no will.GOV.UK: dealing with the estate

Questions executors ask

What does an executor have to do?

Find the will, list and value everything the person owned and owed, deal with any Inheritance Tax, apply for probate if any organisation needs it, then collect the money, pay the debts, keep accounts and share out what’s left as the will says.

What should an executor do first?

Register the death and get several copies of the certificate, use Tell Us Once, find the original will, and keep the home secure and insured. Don’t sell or promise anything until you have probate.

How long does an executor have to apply for probate?

There is no fixed deadline to apply, but Inheritance Tax has to be paid by the end of the sixth month after the death to avoid interest, and form IHT400, if needed, within 12 months and before you apply.

Can an executor refuse to act?

Yes. They can hold “power reserved”, which lets them apply later if needed, or give up the role permanently with form PA15.

Do I need a solicitor to be an executor?

No. Many executors apply themselves, paying only the £526 GOV.UK fee. A solicitor is worth it if the will is disputed, the estate may owe more than it owns, or there is a business, trust or property abroad.