Estate administration
Estate administration is the process of dealing with a deceased person's estate: collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remainder under the will or the intestacy rules. In BC, the executor or administrator often needs a court grant of probate or administration to deal with assets such as land and bank accounts.
How BC law treats it
In BC, estate administration is governed by the Wills, Estates and Succession Act, SBC 2009, c 13. Canada has no estate tax, but income tax arises from the deemed disposition of capital property at death under the Income Tax Act, and BC charges probate fees under the Probate Fee Act, SBC 1999, c 4.
What it means for your business
A business owner's estate plan should address who can manage the business immediately after death and how shares will pass.
Risks and common mistakes
If a sole director and shareholder dies without planning, the company may be unable to act until a personal representative is appointed.
For the full explanation, see our entry on Estate planning.
General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.
