How Much Does an Executor Get Paid?
Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. Fees vary by state law.
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. Use our Probate Cost Calculator to see the full cost breakdown including attorney fees.
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. See our Executor Duties Checklist for a complete guide to these responsibilities.
Trustees administering a revocable living trust typically charge less than probate executors — family trustees often serve without compensation since there is no court process to manage. On a $500,000 estate, an executor's statutory percentage can exceed $20,000 while a family trustee might charge nothing. A revocable trust from SimplyTrust takes about 15 minutes to set up online.
