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Home→Tools→Executor Fee Calculator→Illinois

How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in Illinois?

Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. Fees vary by state law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Illinois allows executors to receive "reasonable compensation" as determined by the court.755 ILCS 5/27-1 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 31, 2026 Courts consider the size and complexity of the estate, the time spent, and the executor's skill and experience. Typical fees range from 2% to 4% of estate value.

Yes. Executors in Illinois can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. Family members serving as executor often waive compensation, particularly when they are also beneficiaries of the estate. Waiving the fee reduces the overall cost of probate and increases the amount available for distribution to beneficiaries.

Illinois requires executors to post a surety bond.755 ILCS 5/12-2Verified May 31, 2026 The bond requirement can be waived in the will or by court order. The typical annual bond premium is approximately 0.5% of the estate value. The bond protects beneficiaries against executor misconduct or mismanagement.

An executor in Illinois is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries.755 ILCS 5/25-1 (small estate), 5/27-1, 5/28-1 (independent admin)Verified May 31, 2026 The process typically takes 6-9 months for simple estates and 9-14 months on average. The 6-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline. The Illinois executor checklist outlines each step.

Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Illinois probate. Attorney fees are based on reasonable compensation.755 ILCS 5/27-2 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 31, 2026 Executor compensation is calculated separately from attorney fees. Both fees are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries.

Total probate costs in Illinois include executor fees, attorney fees, court filing fees, publication costs, and potentially bond premiums. Executor compensation is one component of the overall expense. The total typically ranges from 3-8% of the estate value depending on complexity. Use the Illinois probate calculator for a complete cost estimate.

Executor Fees in Illinois

Illinois uses a "reasonable compensation" standard for executor fees, typically 2%755 ILCS 5/27-1 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 31, 2026 to 4%755 ILCS 5/27-1 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 31, 2026 of the estate value. Courts consider estate complexity, time spent, and the executor's responsibilities when evaluating fees. The probate calculator provides a complete cost estimate.

In addition to executor fees, Illinois may require a surety bond (Yes755 ILCS 5/12-2Verified May 31, 2026). Bond premiums run approximately 0.5%755 ILCS 5/12-2Verified May 31, 2026 of the estate value per year. The requirement is waivable (Yes755 ILCS 5/12-2Verified May 31, 2026), which reduces overall costs.

Attorney fees are a separate probate cost in Illinois. The attorney fee type is reasonable compensation755 ILCS 5/27-2 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 31, 2026. Together, executor and attorney fees account for the largest share of probate expenses. The Illinois executor checklist details each responsibility and the typical timeline.

The probate timeline in Illinois starts at 6 months755 ILCS 5/25-1 (small estate), 5/27-1, 5/28-1 (independent admin)Verified May 31, 2026 for straightforward estates and can extend to 9 months755 ILCS 5/25-1 (small estate), 5/27-1, 5/28-1 (independent admin)Verified May 31, 2026 or longer with complications. Executor fees are typically disbursed at final distribution.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated May 31, 2026

Legal Sources

  • 755 ILCS 5/12-2
  • 755 ILCS 5/25-1 (small estate), 5/27-1, 5/28-1 (independent admin)
  • 755 ILCS 5/27-1 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
  • 755 ILCS 5/27-2 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)

Data sourced from Illinois statutes and official state code. How we research.

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Illinois Estate Planning Resources

In-depth guides covering Illinois probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.

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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.

Examples:

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.

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