Institution · Credit & identity · Difficulty: Simple
Notify Equifax Canada of a death
Placing a deceased flag on the credit file helps prevent identity theft and new credit being opened in the deceased’s name.
Who usually needs this
- Executor
- Personal representative
- Next of kin
When to review
First month
Documents commonly needed
- Death certificate
- Proof of authority
- Copy of will or grant if requested
Life Steward does not collect or store these documents.
Common issues
- Identity theft against deceased people is common in the first months after death.
- Notify both bureaus: Equifax and TransUnion maintain separate files.
Official sources
- Equifax Canada: Credit steps after a relative’s death (Financial institution source)
- Equifax Canada: Death notification form (PDF) (Financial institution source)
Last reviewed 2026-07-10
The Life Steward Resource Centre is provided for general information and navigation only. It is not legal, tax, financial, insurance, medical, or professional advice. Confirm current requirements and deadlines with the appropriate organization or professional before acting.