Acting as an executor –get advice

Unfortunately, this is the reason we need to involve accountants and lawyers in helping us act as executors. He should have known, or been told, even if he had forgotten.

The bank was delayed in getting the RRSP turned over from his late wife to himself, which is usually automatic from spouse to late spouse. This is why doing my late mother's estate was easier than Dad's. Everything just turned over from her to him.
You must file a tax return for the deceased. I had to for dad. It wasn't easy. Not when you are in mourning. Our Allan Turnbull, in Bala, was an amazing accountant. He provided us with much advice. As was my dad's lawyer.
Someone's head should roll.
You also need to get a letter from the tax man, stating that the proper taxes were filed, and the estate is cleared, your job is over.
He can blame the bank, but please, people, find the right professionals to counsel you.

$35K tax bill for widowed dad from Scotiabank's mistakes

 

A widower with five children was slapped with a $35,000 unnecessary tax bill after Scotiabank made several mistakes on a routine registered retirement savings plan transaction.