TSEM6113 | Legal background to trusts & estates: administrators and HMRC
From HM Revenue & Customs · Trusts, Settlements and Estates Manual
Upon the death of a person the personal representatives become the legal owners of the deceased's estate. If he leaves no valid will they will be authorised to act by obtaining a grant of letters of administration.
HMRC will not normally ask for sight of such grant. But, may need to if
it is required as part of a formal SA enquiry
a submission is needed in relation to a deed of variation/family arrangement executed (TSEM1815).
When the administrators wind up the estate, they pay out the assets. HMRC may ask who received them.