If the person who died was paying tax on income from investments or as a self employed person or as an employee, tell the tax office about the death as soon as possible. This will enable the tax affairs of the deceased to be settled. Depending on circumstances, this may involve some more tax or claiming a repayment.
The particular tax office to contact will depend upon the circumstances of the deceased. For instance:
- if the deceased was an employee or had a pension from a former employer, the pay section of the employer or pension organisation will know the deceased's tax office.
- if the deceased was self-employed, contact the tax office nearest to the place of business.
- if the deceased was unemployed or retired without pension from a former employer, contact the tax office nearest to the home address.
H M Revenue and Customs leaflet IR45 'What to do about tax when someone dies' gives more information. Further information and copies of the IR45 leaflet are available on their web site. Go to H M Revenue and Customs website
