About the Executor Fee Calculator
This executor fee calculator works out how much an executor (personal representative) can be paid for administering an estate. Several states set compensation by a sliding percentage schedule written into their probate code; this tool applies the current statutory schedules for California, New York, Florida, Missouri, Iowa and Nevada, tier by tier, and shows the effective rate. For states that simply allow “reasonable compensation” — most of the country — choose the custom option and enter an agreed percentage.
It is useful for executors deciding whether to take a fee, beneficiaries checking a final accounting, and families comparing the cost of probate. Executor fees are taxable income to the executor, so a family member who is also a beneficiary sometimes waives the fee.
Each state measures the estate differently — some on the gross inventory value, others on property actually received and paid out, or net of liens — and the will can set a different fee. The schedules cover ordinary services only; courts can award extra compensation for extraordinary work such as selling real estate, running a business or litigation.
With the default inputs, the executor fee is $18,000.00. Change any value above to recalculate instantly.
How to use the executor fee calculator
- 1Select the state whose probate court handles the estate, or choose other for a custom rate.
- 2Enter the estate value as your state measures it (see the basis shown with the result).
- 3Review the fee, the effective rate and the tier-by-tier breakdown.
- 4Check the will — it may set a different fee — and ask the court about extraordinary services.
Formula and method
Statutory schedules are marginal, like income tax brackets: each slice of the estate is charged its own percentage and the slices are added. For example, California pays 4% on the first $100,000, 3% on the next $100,000, 2% on the next $800,000, 1% on the next $9 million and 0.5% on the next $15 million. New York pays 5%, 4%, 3%, 2.5% and then 2% above $5 million; Florida 3% up to $1 million, then 2.5%, 2% and 1.5%.
Missouri’s schedule (5% down to 2%) is a minimum the court may increase, Iowa’s (6%, 4%, 2%) is a maximum, and Nevada’s (4%, 3%, 2%) can be supplemented for extraordinary services. The custom option applies a single flat rate to the whole estate, which is how fees are often agreed in reasonable-compensation states.
- Estate value
- The value your state’s statute uses as the fee base
- Tier rate
- Percentage the statute applies to each band of value
Worked examples
California estate of $750,000
4% of the first $100,000 is $4,000, 3% of the next $100,000 is $3,000, and 2% of the remaining $550,000 is $11,000, for a statutory fee of $18,000 — 2.4% of the estate.
New York estate of $750,000
New York pays 5% on the first $100,000 ($5,000), 4% on the next $200,000 ($8,000) and 3% on the next $450,000 ($13,500), totalling $26,500.
Florida estate of $2.5 million
3% of the first $1 million is $30,000 and 2.5% of the next $1.5 million is $37,500, so the presumed reasonable commission is $67,500.
Missouri estate of $500,000
The tiers give $250 + $800 + $2,250 + $8,250 + $2,500 (2.5% of the last $100,000) = $14,050 as the statutory minimum compensation.
Reasonable-compensation state at 2%
A flat 2% agreed fee on a $750,000 estate is $15,000.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an executor get paid?+
It depends on the state. California, New York, Florida, Missouri, Iowa and Nevada set percentage schedules — for example about 2.4% of a $750,000 estate in California — while most other states allow reasonable compensation based on the work done.
Is executor compensation taxable?+
Yes. Fees paid to an executor are taxable income to the executor. A family member who is also a beneficiary may prefer to waive the fee, since an inheritance itself is generally not income-taxable.
Can the will set the executor’s fee?+
Yes. Many states let the will fix the compensation or say the executor serves without pay. Some states let an executor renounce the will’s provision and take statutory compensation instead.
Are executor fees the same as attorney fees?+
No. Executor fees pay the personal representative; the estate’s lawyer is paid separately. In California the statutory attorney fee happens to use the same percentage schedule, so ordinary fees for both can total about twice the executor fee.
Do multiple executors each get a full fee?+
Usually the statutory fee is shared among co-executors according to the work each does, as in California and Nevada. New York is an exception where, above certain estate sizes, more than one executor can each receive full commissions.
Results are general estimates and not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction — consult a qualified attorney.