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    Inherited shares: finding them and getting them transferred

    Start with GOV.UK's probate pages, which also let you search for a will or grant. Then find the company and its registrar, and tell the registrar about the death through its official site. Computershare, MUFG and Equiniti each have bereavement information.

    Do this first: official routes

    1. Read the GOV.UK pages on wills, probate and inheritance. You can also search for a will or grant. GOV.UK: wills, probate and inheritance GOV.UK: applying for probate GOV.UK: search for a will or grant of probate
    2. Find the company and its registrar. Old Shares Finder
    3. Tell the registrar through its official site. Computershare: administration of deceased estates Computershare: Estate Hub MUFG: shareholder services (UK) Equiniti: what to do when a shareholder dies (PDF)
    4. For Inheritance Tax, GOV.UK explains how to value shares. If you don't know how many new shares or rights to include, the company's registrar should be able to tell you. GOV.UK: valuing stocks and shares for Inheritance Tax

    What Equiniti says

    Equiniti's guide says a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration is usually needed, a joint holding normally needs a death certificate, and a small-estates service exists. Ask for the current rules. Equiniti: what to do when a shareholder dies (PDF)

    Then use the free finder

    Type the old company name into the Old Shares Finder. It is free and stores nothing.

    Watch out for scams

    Be wary of anyone who contacts you out of the blue about your shares. Never pay upfront to release money. Check any firm on the FCA register. FCA: ScamSmart FCA Financial Services Register

    Questions

    How do I find shares a relative owned?

    Look through their papers for certificates and dividend letters, find what each company is called now, and ask its registrar. GOV.UK also lets you search for a will or grant.

    Do I need probate to deal with inherited shares?

    Equiniti's guide says a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration is usually needed, and that a small-estates service exists. Ask the registrar for current rules.

    Who values shares for Inheritance Tax?

    GOV.UK has guidance on valuing stocks and shares. If you don't know how many new shares or rights to include, the company's registrar should be able to tell you.

    The company changed its name since they bought the shares. What now?

    A new name doesn't create a new company. Type the old name into the Old Shares Finder to see what it's called now and who the registrar is.

    Sources

    We don't give advice and we never hold or move money.