Does Tell Us Once notify HMRC?

Tell Us Once informs HMRC of the death, but it does not settle the tax affairs. You still need to contact HMRC separately to sort out any tax owed or refunds due, especially if the person was self-employed.

Can the estate receive a tax refund?

Yes. If the deceased overpaid tax (for example, because they died part way through the tax year), a refund is usually due. HMRC will calculate this once they know the date of death and income details.

Do I need to file a final tax return?

A final Self Assessment return is needed if the person was self-employed, had rental income, or was already in Self Assessment. HMRC will confirm whether one is required when you contact them.

All scripts & letters

Government4 min

How to Notify HMRC When Someone Dies

HMRC needs to be told separately about a death, even if you have used Tell Us Once. Tax affairs may need to be settled, and there could be a refund owed to the estate. This guide helps you handle the call confidently.

Last reviewed: 4 April 2026

What to have ready

✓National Insurance (NI) number of the deceased
✓Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) if they were self-employed
✓Death certificate or reference number
✓Your own identification and proof of executor status
✓Details of any income the deceased was receiving
✓Their last P60 or tax return if available

Phone script

You can read this aloud when you call. Placeholders like [full name] are filled in automatically when you use AfterLoss.

I am calling to report the death of [full name]. Their National Insurance number is [NI number]. They passed away on [date of death]. I am the [executor/administrator] of the estate and need to understand the tax position.

What to ask for

–Confirm the tax position up to the date of death
–Check whether a tax refund is due to the estate
–Cancel any outstanding tax demands or payment requests
–Find out if a final Self Assessment return is needed
–Ask about any tax owed by the estate on income after death
–Request written confirmation of the tax position

Watch out

Tell Us Once notifies HMRC of the death but does not settle the tax affairs. If the person was self-employed or had rental income, a final tax return will almost certainly be needed. Any tax refund is paid to the estate, not to you personally.

Email template

Subject: Notification of death - [full name], NI: [NI number]

Dear HMRC Bereavement Team, I am writing to notify you of the death of [full name], National Insurance number [NI number], who passed away on [date of death]. I am the [executor/administrator] of the estate. My name is [your name] and my address is [your address]. Please could you: - Confirm the tax position up to the date of death - Advise whether any tax refund is due to the estate - Cancel any outstanding demands or payment requests - Confirm whether a final Self Assessment return is required I enclose a copy of the death certificate for your records. Yours faithfully, [your name]

HMRC can take several weeks to respond by post. Keep a record of when you sent the letter and follow up by phone if you have not heard back within 4 weeks.

Template letter

You can copy this letter and print it, or use the email version above.

[your name]

[your address]

[your phone number]

[your email]

[Organisation name]

[Organisation address]

[today's date]

Re: Notification of death - [full name], NI: [NI number]

HMRC bereavement helpline: 0300 200 3300. Address: HM Revenue and Customs, Pay As You Earn and Self Assessment, BX9 1AS.

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Frequently asked questions

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