What happens to shares when someone dies?
Last reviewed October 2026
Shares in the person's sole name become part of their estate. Find them through dividend statements, share certificates, tax returns or a platform account, then contact the company's share registrar or the investment platform. Ask for the value at the date of death, which you need for probate and inheritance tax. Most registrars ask for a grant of probate before they will sell or transfer shares above a small amount. Executors can then sell the shares or transfer them to beneficiaries.
Where shares are usually held
Through an investment platform, a stockbroker, or directly on a company register with paper certificates.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need probate for shares?
Often yes, unless the holding is small. Each registrar sets its own limit.
Is there capital gains tax on inherited shares?
Beneficiaries inherit at the value on the date of death. Gains after that may be taxable when sold.
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