While the phrase ‘probate’ is often used to cover the whole process of dealing with the estate of a deceased individual.
Whether you chose to carry out the probate and estate administration process yourself (further information can be found on https://www.gov.uk/probate-estate), or you instruct us to do the work for you, the probate process is still the same.
It involves:
- Finding the will.
- Sending notifications of death to financial institutions, Government organisations, utilities and household contacts.
- Preparing and filing Income Tax returns to HMRC up to date of death and ascertaining whether there is a need to prepare and file an Estate Income Tax return and, if not, writing to seek exemption from HMRC.
- Obtaining valuations for the deceased’s assets and establishing all debts/liabilities.
- Preparing and filing Inheritance Tax (IHT) Returns if applicable and calculating the IHT and payment deadline. In order to prepare the IHT form we need to identify all of the deceased’s assets (such as property, investments, cash and other personal possessions) and liabilities (debts such as utility bills, outstanding amounts on credit cards and loans, etc.) to determine the value of the estate. This includes gifts made in the last 7 years by the deceased.
- Applying for the grant of probate.
- Administering the estate, which is the process of dealing with all the deceased individual’s assets, debts, and taxes before distributing inheritance to the beneficiaries. This must be done in accordance with the wishes outlined in the Will (if applicable). However, even estates where the deceased passed away without a Will need to be administered.
- Preparing the estate accounts (if required).
- Report the disposal of any residential property to HMRC within 60 days of completion, if applicable.
We offer the full range of services to support you though the probate process and can help whether you need assistance on one specific matter or on the whole probate and administration process.
We’re here to help, providing as much or as little support as you need to get things done.
Tell us once:
The Tell Us Once service is a Government initiative that allows you to report a death to multiple Government departments in one go, instead of notifying each organisation separately.
This includes:
- HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for tax and benefits
- Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for State Pension and other benefits
- Passport Office to cancel the deceased’s passport
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to cancel their driving licence
- Local councils to update council tax, blue badge, and electoral register records
- Veterans UK for Armed Forces pensions and support
The service is usually offered when registering a death with the local registrar, who will provide a unique reference number. The notification can then be made online via the links below, or by phone.
About the Ripe Group
The Ripe Group offers integrated accounting, tax and probate services to meet all your needs. Our approach is modern, transparent, and always tailored to you. The group consists of:
- Ripe LLP a Limited Liability Partnership incorporated in England & Wales, Registration number: OC327651.
- Ripe Ltd incorporated in England & Wales Registered number 06223811.
- Ripe Probate Ltd incorporated in England & Wales Registered number 13617749.
- Registered Office address: 9a Burroughs Gardens, London, NW4 4AU.
- Ripe Accountancy Services Private Ltd incorporated in India.
