How executors value shares, deal with ISAs and APS allowances, handle investment bonds and report estate gains after someone dies.
This guide is part of ProbateHelp's Estate Assets guide cluster. Estimated reading time: 16 min.
Employer share schemes such as SAYE, SIP and EMI options have their own death rules. Options may vest, lapse or become exercisable for a limited period depending on the scheme documents. Contact the employer's HR team or share scheme administrator and ask for the date-of-death value, the scheme rules on death, and any deadline for the executor or beneficiary to act.
Yes. The executor can transfer shares directly to a beneficiary, often called an in specie transfer, if the will and estate position allow it. This avoids selling the shares inside the estate. The beneficiary normally takes the date-of-death value as their base cost for future CGT purposes, so keep the valuation evidence.
A Lifetime ISA is treated as an ISA after death. The ISA becomes a continuing account of a deceased investor until it is closed, estate administration completes, or three years have passed. The surviving spouse or civil partner may be able to use an APS allowance, but APS subscriptions into a Lifetime ISA are still subject to Lifetime ISA rules and provider limits.
Check bank statements for dividend payments, old tax records, emails from registrars or platforms, and any post from companies or investment services. The company registrar, such as Equiniti, Computershare or Link Group, can often search using the deceased's name, address history and shareholder reference if you have it.
Yes. ISA investments form part of the estate for inheritance tax purposes. If the ISA holder died on or after 6 April 2018, the ISA can become a continuing account of a deceased investor and remain tax-free until the earliest of closure, completion of estate administration, or three years after death.