You should also notify CRA if GST credits are being received in order to discontinue them . In addition , CRA expects a personal tax return for the deceased to be filed within six months . You will want to request a Tax Clearance Certificate from the CRA . The clearance certificate confirms that an estate has paid taxes and other amounts owing at the time the certificate was issued .
In addition , Alberta Health Care Insurance , any additional health care plans ( like your ARTA Benefit Plan ), life insurance claims , Alberta Seniors Benefits ( income qualification ), motor vehicle registration and insurance , and homeowner ’ s insurance need to be notified of the death .
Cancel their passport , subscriptions , and memberships . Pay off credit card balances and cancel the cards . Are there “ awards points ” that can be transferred ? You will want to arrange name changes for titles to real estate and other investments owned by your partner .
If you have separate bank accounts , RRSPs , RRIFs , or annuities , all of these must be notified in a timely manner . Is there a safety deposit box ? Where is the key ? Lastly , of course , your pension provider ( ATRF for many of us ) needs to be informed of your life changes .
Many of these organizations will require a Funeral Directors Statement of Death — a form that states the name , date of birth , date and place of death , usual residence , age , and gender of the deceased person . Funeral homes typically include a number of these statements as part of their service package . An official death certificate is issued by the province and contains much of the same information . A local registry office can help with this , for a fee . The death certificate will be required for some real estate transactions , larger insurance claims , and probating a will .
On a positive note , most funeral homes can take care of many of these forms , needing only your signature and the specific details of the deceased . Having all this material at your fingertips is one less challenge during what is sure to be a very difficult time .
Many people find discussing their death ghoulish or morbid , and really want to ignore it for as long as possible . Having the discussion is far from morbid . It is actually a freeing experience and allows those who we love and are left behind to take care of a major challenge .
Ray Hoger is the newly elected chair of the Pension and Financial Wellness Committee . His wife and two grown children know where his “ just in case ” binder is and have seen its contents on several occasions .
Ask her where the bank account password is ! news & views WINTER 2022 | 37