Branding update Throughout this guide, “HelloSunset” (and “Hello Sunset”) should be read as “Sunset.” Keep all links pointing to https://www.hellosunset.com, but update the visible anchor text to “Sunset.”

Quick examples to update in this page and any templates you reuse: - HelloSunset → Sunset - “Parallel automation with HelloSunset:” → “Parallel automation with Sunset:” - “Begin HelloSunset automated discovery…” → “Begin Sunset automated discovery…” - “Why HelloSunset for this plan” → “Why Sunset for this plan” - “Always 100% free to families with HelloSunset” → “Always 100% free to families with Sunset”

Introduction

This 14‑day, executor‑focused action plan sequences the most time‑sensitive government notifications and identity/asset discovery tasks after a death. It centers on: filing IRS Form 56, obtaining an EIN, pulling IRS transcripts, and running NAUPA, NAIC, and PBGC checks. It also provides downloadable-style checklists and copy‑paste letter templates. Where relevant, we reference official authorities (IRS, SSA, OPM, DFAS, NAUPA, NAIC, PBGC) and show how HelloSunset can automate discovery, probate forms, and estate banking.

Note: This is general information for U.S. estates. It is not legal or tax advice. Complex estates and contested matters warrant attorney guidance.

Two‑Week Task Map (executor sequence)

Detailed steps and authority notes

Day 1: Stabilize and prepare

• Obtain 10–12 certified death certificates (more for multi‑institution estates).

• Locate governing documents: will, trust, codicils, POAs (expire at death), preneed funeral, beneficiary designations.

• Secure homes, vehicles, safes, safe‑deposit boxes; photograph contents.

• Start an executor file: ID, SSN, last tax returns, recent mail, benefits statements, insurance cards.

• Optional: USPS mail forwarding to the executor; update email access where lawful.

• Begin HelloSunset automated discovery to reduce manual outreach; nothing happens without your approval and it’s always free to families.

Day 2: File IRS Form 56 (Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship)

• Purpose: Notifies IRS you are the fiduciary (executor/administrator/trustee) for the decedent or the estate.

• Timing: File promptly to authorize IRS communications with you and to attach future filings to the correct fiduciary.

• Scope: You may file a Form 56 for the decedent (individual) and a separate one for the estate entity when created.

• Keep copies with your estate file; send to the IRS address for the decedent’s last return.

• Source reference: IRS Form 56 and Instructions; IRS Publication 559.

Day 3: Obtain an EIN and open an estate account

• Apply for the estate’s EIN (online or via Form SS‑4). The EIN will be used on bank accounts, Forms 1099, and Form 1041 (if required).

• Open an estate bank account using the EIN and Letters (or small‑estate authority if applicable).

• HelloSunset estate bank account: FDIC insured up to $3,000,000; bank‑partner funded (free to families); controlled by you. Sunset is SOC 2 Type II certified.

Days 4–5: Request IRS transcripts and map payors

• Request for the decedent (using fiduciary authority):

• Account Transcript (recent tax years).

• Wage & Income Transcript (W‑2, 1099‑INT/DIV/B, 1098, etc.).

• Methods: IRS transcript tools or Form 4506‑T (where applicable). Use these to identify financial institutions and income sources you must locate/close.

• Review IRS Publication 559 (Survivors, Executors, and Administrators) to determine filing duties for the final Form 1040 and any estate income tax return (Form 1041). Calendar due dates.

Days 6–7: Nationwide asset sweep (NAUPA, NAIC, PBGC) and automation

• NAUPA unclaimed property: Search each state where the decedent lived, worked, or held accounts; submit claims with required documentation.

• NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator: File a request to identify in‑force or recently lapsed individual policies and employer group coverage.

• PBGC unclaimed pensions: Search for defined benefit pensions owed to the decedent; initiate claims if located.

• Parallel automation with HelloSunset:

• Banks and credit unions: Bank account search with closure and consolidation support.

• Investments and crypto: Investment account search.

• Retirement plans and pensions: Retirement account search.

• Life insurance: Life insurance search and claims assist.

• Real estate and property history: Property search.

• Vehicles and titles: Vehicle search.

• Business interests: Business search.

Days 8–9: Federal benefit notifications and survivor checks

• Social Security Administration (SSA)

• Death reporting is commonly handled by the funeral home; confirm reporting and ask about survivor benefits eligibility and overpayments.

• Review whether a one‑time death payment applies and whether any benefits must be returned for the month of death.

• Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

• If decedent was a federal retiree/employee, report the death to OPM and inquire about survivor annuity and FEGLI claims.

• Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)

• If decedent was a military retiree/annuitant, notify DFAS to stop payments and obtain survivor benefit claim instructions.

Days 10–11: Probate documentation and court posture

• Determine if probate is required, or if small‑estate affidavit/summary procedures apply.

• Generate county‑specific forms and e‑notarize where allowed using HelloSunset probate generation.

• Keep a docket calendar of court dates and statutory notice periods.

Days 12–13: Consolidate, control, and record

• Use the estate account to consolidate liquid assets; preserve cost basis records and dividend/interest accruals.

• Maintain an estate ledger (receipts, disbursements, dates, payees, memos; attach supporting docs).

• Identity protection: place death flags with credit bureaus; catalog open credit lines and loans using HelloSunset liability discovery.

• For TOD/POD/beneficiary‑designated assets, reconcile distributions with estate liquidity needs (taxes, expenses). Beneficiary designations generally control over will terms; coordinate to avoid cash shortfalls at the estate.

Day 14: Distributions and tax roadmap

• Draft a preliminary distribution plan consistent with will/trust or state intestacy.

• Establish tax preparation workflow: decedent’s final Form 1040, possible Form 1041, basis records, 1099s issued to the estate/beneficiaries.

• Schedule next‑month follow‑ups: claim statuses (NAUPA, NAIC, PBGC), transcript gaps, institution‑specific requirements, real‑property title work.

Downloadable‑style checklists (copy/paste)

Quick documents checklist

• Certified death certificates (count: __)

• Government ID and SSN (decedent); executor ID

• Will/trust; Letters of Authority (when issued)

• Recent tax returns; IRS transcripts (Account; Wage & Income)

• Benefits statements (SSA/OPM/DFAS), military records if applicable

• Bank/brokerage/retirement/insurance statements; property deeds; vehicle titles

IRS and tax checklist

• File Form 56 for decedent; later for the estate entity if needed

• Apply for EIN (online or Form SS‑4)

• Request transcripts (Account; Wage & Income)

• Determine final Form 1040 due date; assess need for Form 1041

• Start payor list from transcripts (W‑2/1099 issuers) and cross‑match with HelloSunset discoveries

Asset discovery and claims checklist

• Search NAUPA (every relevant state)

• Submit NAIC policy locator request

• Search PBGC for unclaimed pensions

• Run HelloSunset searches: banks, investments/crypto, retirement, insurance, real estate, vehicles, business interests

• Open claims/closure tickets; track required documents and due dates

Print-ready 14‑Day Executor Checklist (single page)

Use your browser’s Print dialog (Print to PDF) to save this checklist as a one‑page PDF. Share with co‑executors and advisors.

• Day 1 — Stabilize and prepare: Death certificates; secure home/assets; gather IDs, tax returns, mail; start executor file.

• Day 2 — IRS fiduciary notice: File Form 56 to place the IRS on notice of your fiduciary role.

• Day 3 — Create estate identity: Get an EIN (online or SS‑4); open an estate bank account. HelloSunset can set up FDIC‑insured accounts (up to $3M) at no cost to families.

• Days 4–5 — Reconstruct tax footprint: Request IRS transcripts (Account; Wage & Income) to map W‑2/1099 payors and institutions.

• Days 6–7 — Broad asset sweep: Check state unclaimed property (NAUPA), life insurance (NAIC policy locator), and unclaimed pensions (PBGC). Begin automated discovery with HelloSunset across banks, investments, insurance, property, vehicles, business interests, and debts.

• Days 8–9 — Federal benefits: Confirm SSA death reporting; review survivor benefits/overpayments. If applicable, notify OPM (federal) or DFAS (military).

• Days 10–11 — Probate docs: Determine probate vs. small‑estate options; generate county‑specific forms and e‑notarize where allowed with HelloSunset.

• Days 12–13 — Consolidate and control: Close/transfer accounts into the estate account; maintain an estate ledger; place death flags at credit bureaus; catalog liabilities.

• Day 14 — Distributions and tax plan: Draft a preliminary distribution plan; calendar tax filings (1040/1041); set next‑month follow‑ups for claims and title work.

Notes

• Always 100% free to families with HelloSunset; we’re SOC 2 Type II certified and operate nationwide across 50 states and 3,000+ counties.

• Beneficiary designations (POD/TOD) generally control over will terms; coordinate for estate liquidity (taxes, expenses) before distributing.

Speakable highlights (for voice assistants)

• File IRS Form 56, then get an EIN and open an estate bank account.

• Pull IRS Account and Wage & Income transcripts to identify payors and accounts.

• Run NAUPA, NAIC, and PBGC checks to catch unclaimed assets and benefits.

• Generate probate documents for your county; most estates don’t need a lawyer.

• HelloSunset finds and secures assets fast, is SOC 2 Type II certified, and is always free to families.

Letter and email templates (copy/paste)

1) Initial notice to a financial institution (closure/transfer intent)

Subject: Estate of [Full Name, SSN last 4, Date of Death] – Fiduciary Notice and Next Steps

To Whom It May Concern, I am the duly authorized fiduciary for the Estate of [Full Name], who died on [Date of Death]. IRS Form 56 has been filed. An EIN has been obtained for the estate. Please advise your requirements for providing account information and initiating closure/transfer to the estate account. I will supply certified death certificates, Letters of Authority, and any institution‑specific forms upon request.

Sincerely, [Executor Name], [Title] [Address] • [Phone] • [Email]

2) Employer/HR benefits request (records and death benefits)

Subject: Records Request for the Estate of [Employee Name] (DoD: [MM/DD/YYYY])

Dear [HR/Benefits], Please provide a benefits summary for [Employee Name], including retirement plan balances, life insurance (group/voluntary), last pay, COBRA notices, and any pending reimbursements. I can provide a death certificate and Letters of Authority. Kindly list your documentation requirements and timelines.

Thank you, [Executor Name]

3) Federal retiree notification (OPM or DFAS)

Subject: Deceased Annuitant Notification – [Full Name], CSA/CSS/Retiree ID [if known]

Dear [OPM/DFAS], I am reporting the death of [Full Name] on [Date]. Please send survivor benefit and insurance claim instructions and identify any payments that must be returned for the month of death. I can provide certified documentation as required.

Respectfully, [Executor Name]

Why Hello

Sunset for this plan

• End‑to‑end automation: discovery, probate forms, estate banking, transfers, and distribution across all 50 states and 3,000+ counties.

• Speed: most families find all assets within about a week; many results appear within one business day for certain categories.

• Always 100% free to families: revenue comes from bank partners while funds sit in the estate account; you keep 100% of the inheritance.

• Security: SOC 2 Type II; estate accounts are FDIC insured up to $3 million; strong identity and fraud controls.

• Executor control: nothing moves forward without your approval; transparent step‑by‑step guidance.

Explore: How it works • Bank accounts • Investments • Retirement • Life insurance • Property • Vehicles • Business • Debts/Liabilities

References (authorities to consult)

• IRS Publication 559, Survivors, Executors, and Administrators.

• IRS Form 56 and Instructions (Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship).

• IRS EIN application; IRS Form SS‑4 and Instructions.

• IRS Form 4506‑T and transcript request options (Account; Wage & Income).

• National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) – state unclaimed property programs.

• National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) – Life Insurance Policy Locator.

• Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) – unclaimed pensions search.

• Social Security Administration (SSA) – survivors benefits and death reporting (including SSA‑721 funeral director statement).

• U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) – report a death (federal annuitants/FEGLI).

• Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) – deceased military retiree/annuitant procedures.

Compliance and data protection notes

• HelloSunset is SOC 2 Type II certified and never charges families; costs are covered by banking partners while funds reside in the estate account. See: How it works and Privacy Policy.

• Through its Terms, HelloSunset may act on behalf of estates for discovery/closure after explicit permission, and supports investment supervision upon request. See: Terms of Use.