What Should an Executor Be Paid for Settling an Estate?
Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. Fees vary by state law.
Total value of estate assets before debts. Executor fees are calculated on gross value.
Calculate executor compensation
Select your state and enter the estate value to see what an executor can charge.
Executor fees (also called personal representative compensation) are calculated on gross estate value. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Executors may waive their fee. Family members serving as executor often do so without compensation. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Instant Calculation
Get executor fee estimates in seconds based on your state's rules.
State-Specific Rules
Every state has different executor compensation rules. We use current statutory and typical rates.
Statutory vs Reasonable
See whether your state has fixed statutory fees or uses negotiable "reasonable compensation."
Completely Free
No account required. No email. Just enter the estate value and get your estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
An executor fee (also called personal representative compensation) is payment for the work of administering a deceased person's estate. This includes gathering assets, paying debts, filing taxes, and distributing property to beneficiaries. The amount varies by state law.
Executor fees are calculated differently depending on the state. Some states have "statutory" fees set by law as a percentage of the estate value. Other states use "reasonable compensation" which is negotiated and subject to court approval if challenged. Our calculator uses current rates for all 50 states.
Not always. In some states (like California), executor and attorney fees follow the same statutory schedule. In other states, they are calculated differently. Executor fees compensate the personal representative for their work, while attorney fees pay for legal services.
Yes, executors can waive compensation entirely or accept a reduced amount. This is common when the executor is a family member who is also a beneficiary. Since executor fees are taxable income but inheritances generally are not, waiving the fee may be advantageous.
These terms are often used interchangeably. "Executor" traditionally refers to someone named in a will, while "personal representative" is the broader legal term used in many states. Both roles involve the same responsibilities and compensation.
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