The year after the death, the estate must file a tax return. The estate must continue to file tax returns as long as there are assets that have not been transferred to the heirs.
Checklist – after a death
Use the checklist to get an overview of what needs to be done after a death. Take one thing at a time, in the order that suits you, and adapt the list to your situation.
Declare the estate
The estate must be declared for as long as assets remain that have not been transferred to the heirs. The Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) will send an income tax return form in early April to the address of the estate, telling you the date by which you need to submit your return.
Declare the estateExternal link.
How to submit an income tax return for the estate (skatteverket.se, in Swedish) External link.
Correct address for the income tax return form
It is important that the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) has the correct address for the estate, as income tax return forms are not forwarded.
Notifying changes if you are a pensioner receiving housing supplement
As a pensioner, your housing cost, income, debts and assets affect the amount of housing supplement you may be entitled to. If you are already receiving housing supplement (bostadstillägg), you need to report any changes to your income, assets or expenses.
If you move abroad, you need to notify the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket). If you receive a survivor’s pension, you also need to contact the Swedish Pensions Agency (Pensionsmyndigheten).
Notify changes to the Swedish Pensions Agency (in Swedish) External link.
Prepare a budget for your personal finances
If your financial situation has changed, it may be useful to obtain financial advice about your future economy. The Swedish Consumer Agency (Konsumentverket) has compiled useful information and guidance on private finances. The agency also has budget spreadsheets that can be adapted to your expenses and income. If this is new or difficult for you, you can always ask someone you know to help you.
Budget spreadsheet (konsumentverket.se, in Swedish) External link.
Find out how long financial support and compensation is paid
If you are receiving payments from an insurance policy or survivor’s pension, you will also have received a letter from the payer containing a decision. This decision will state how long you will receive payments and how much you will receive. If you are uncertain, you can always contact the payer.
Further information about payment periods, planning and finances
Are you a pensioner entitled to housing supplement?
If you are 67 years of age or older and you have a low pension, you may be entitled to housing supplement (bostadstillägg )and income support for the elderly (äldreförsörjningsstöd) from the Swedish Pensions Agency (Pensionsmyndigheten). You can receive an preliminary answer by calculating your own finances. It is a good idea to make a calculation before you apply.
Relatives may represent pensioners regarding housing supplement
If you are the relative of a survivor who is unable to manage their own finances, you have the right to represent them. At pensionsmyndigheten.se, you can access the Swedish Pensions Agency (Pensionsmyndigheten) online service for housing supplement (bostadstillägg) using your own Bank-ID if you are the spouse, cohabitee or child.
Survivor’s pension from the Swedish Pensions Agency
The payment period for survivor’s pensions varies.
- A child’s pension is paid until the child reaches the age of 18. The child pension may be extended to June the year the surviving child turns 20, if the child is studying at upper-secondary level.
- Adjustment pensions from the Swedish Pensions Agency (Pensionsmyndigheten) are paid for one year if you are under 67 years of age. In most cases, this is automatically extended if you have children under a certain age.
Contact the cemeteries administration regarding grave maintenance
If there is a grave that you are unable to maintain, the cemeteries administration can take on the responsibility. There are a range of services that you can purchase, including maintenance of the grave, headstone, surrounding grass and ornamentation.
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