A formal proof of death is the first requirement that has to be met when a person dies and an inheritance is involved. The standard way to certify a death is through a death certificate.
But what happens when an American citizen (not a dual citizen) dies and leaves an estate and assets in Italy?
Death certification: U.S. Consulate and Agenzia delle Entrate
When an American citizen dies with assets located in Italy, a process must be carried out for heirs to inherit.
The first and foremost requirement is a formal proof of death: usually a death certificate. But who needs to provide this?
The executor has to notify the U.S. Consul of the death and ask for it to be certified. It is then up to the U.S. Consulate to report the death of an American, with assets or real estate properties in Italy, to the Italian Agenzia delle Entrate, the fiscal institution that governs and advises on tax affairs.
MY LAWYER IN ITALY® supports inheritance clients through the whole process, from the discovery of an Italian will to the transfer or liquidation of assets.