2. File the Estate Information Return and get a clearance certificate 

If you applied for probate, file an Estate Information Return with the Government of Ontario's Ministry of Finance. You must do this within 180 days of getting the probate certificate.

The return shows whether you paid the right amount in probate fees.  

If the estate owes more probate fees than what you said in the probate application, you must:   

• pay the balance of probate fees from the estate   
• file an affidavit explaining why you owe more    

Apply for clearance certificate

Before you can give money or property to any beneficiary, you must make sure all of the estate's debts and taxes are paid. You confirm this by getting a clearance certificate.

A clearance certificate is a certificate that Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) gives to confirm an estate has paid all the taxes it owes.

You have to apply to the CRA for a clearance certificate. It can take 4 to 6 months to get it. Sometimes it can take longer.

If you do not get a clearance certificate before you distribute money from the estate, you might have to pay unpaid taxes from your own money.

No other claims

The typical timeline of managing an estate is as follows:

• advertise for creditors
• apply for probate and give notice to anyone with the right to a share of the estate
• pay all known debts
• get a clearance certificate
• distribute the remaining assets

Estate trustees should avoid distributing assets until all estate debts are paid and all claims are made.

If the estate trustee expects that someone may make a claim against the estate, they should wait to distribute the assets or speak to an estates lawyer. This includes claims for an equalization payment or dependant support claim.