Who to Notify When Someone Dies

After a death, one of the biggest admin tasks is letting organisations know. It can feel like a never-ending list. This guide helps you prioritise, stay organised, and take it one step at a time.

Notify the government (Tell Us Once)

In most areas of the UK, you can use the Tell Us Once service. When you register the death, the registrar will give you a unique code. Enter it online or by phone, and the following departments will be notified:

• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
• DVLA (driving licence)
• Passport Office
• Local council (council tax, benefits)
• Public sector pensions (if applicable)

This can save you a huge amount of time and effort. If Tell Us Once isn’t available, you’ll need to contact each body directly.

Inform banks and financial providers

Contact the deceased’s bank, building society, and credit card companies as soon as you can. Ask to speak to the bereavement team—they’ll guide you through their process.

• Banks and savings accounts
• Credit card providers
• Investment firms or share registrars
• Mortgage lenders
• Pension providers
• Insurance companies (life, home, car)

Many will freeze accounts until probate is granted. You’ll likely need a death certificate and may need to send the grant of probate later.

Cancel household services

Go through the home and note down anything that’s billed regularly—then begin cancelling or transferring:

• Gas, electricity and water providers
• Broadband, landline and mobile phone accounts
• TV licence and digital subscriptions
• Council tax or rent
• Home security or alarm companies

If the property is empty, you may be eligible for reduced rates or special insurance.

Update legal contacts and property records

If the person owned property or had legal affairs in motion, make sure to notify:

• Solicitor or probate adviser
• Land Registry (if transferring property)
• HMRC (again, for property or capital gains tax)
• Any business contacts if they were self-employed

Inform clubs, subscriptions and more

These may not be urgent, but over time, it helps to review and close:

• Streaming services (Netflix, Spotify, etc.)
• Magazine or newspaper subscriptions
• Gym, social clubs, or professional memberships
• Loyalty cards or reward programmes
• Online accounts or cloud storage

It can feel strange—but tidying these up brings closure. Farra offers a checklist so you don’t have to remember them all.

You don’t have to do this all in one go. Farra can help you space it out, share the list with others, and come back when you’re ready.

Try Farra – and take one small step at a time.