Probate Fee Calculator by State

Frequently asked questions

How much does an executor get paid?

It depends on the state, the calculation base the statute uses, and whether the schedule is fixed, a cap, a minimum, presumed reasonable, or a default. For example, on a $1,000,000 estate accounted for in California the fixed schedule gives $23,000 per role ($46,000 combined for personal representative and attorney), and on $1,000,000 commissionable in New York it gives $34,000 for the fiduciary. The same dollar amount can produce a different result in another state because the base is different, so enter the amount that matches the label for the state you select.

Is the probate fee based on the gross value of the estate?

Not in most verified states. California uses the value of the estate accounted for, without subtracting encumbrances; Wisconsin uses inventory value less mortgages and liens, plus net gains; Florida uses compensable value (inventory value of probate assets plus income during administration); New York uses sums received and paid out; and North Carolina applies its cap to receipts and to expenditures. This calculator asks for the base each statute names, instead of applying every schedule to one gross estate value.

What is the difference between a fixed schedule, a cap, a minimum, presumed reasonable, and a default?

A fixed schedule sets the fee by tiers. A cap is the most the court or clerk may allow, not a promise of that amount. A minimum is the floor, and the court may allow more. Presumed reasonable means the figure is presumed reasonable but can be negotiated or challenged. A default applies only when the will, an agreement, or another method does not control. Every result on this page carries the label that fits its statute.

Does the will control the executor fee?

Sometimes. In several verified states the will or an agreement overrides the default schedule — for example Louisiana, Oregon, South Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Carolina — and in Nevada the personal representative schedule applies when there is no will provision or the provision is renounced. In other states the statute applies as written. Check the note for your state and confirm with the probate court or an attorney before relying on a will provision.

Does this calculator include extraordinary services, court costs, or taxes?

No. Results cover only the statutory schedule shown, for ordinary services where the statute says so. Extraordinary services, court costs, filing fees, and taxes are separate and are not computed here.

Are executor fees taxable?

This tool does not answer tax questions, and no tax treatment was verified from an official source for this page. Ask a tax professional about the tax treatment of any fee before you act.

Why are some states missing from this calculator?

Only schedules verified from official statute or court sources are included — 17 states. Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Texas, and Wyoming could not be verified from official text in the research pass, so they are listed as not yet verified and no figure is shown for them. Other states are also shown as not yet verified until each classification is checked against an official source. For an unverified state, check with the local probate court or an attorney.