the paperwork after a death in the family, in order

pulled from usa.gov and the ssa, i didn't add anything they don't cover

Order several certified copies of the death certificate

most agencies want their own copy, not a photocopy. get more than you think you need

Report the death to Social Security

the funeral home usually does this part for you. ask them directly instead of assuming

Report it to banks and credit card companies

Report it to the credit bureaus

separate step from the banks, easy to miss

Cancel or transfer utilities, memberships, and subscriptions

File the final income tax return

covers income earned up to the date of death, even if it wasn't reported yet

Return the passport for cancellation

Or start a list of your own. Free, it takes a minute.

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