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Home→Tools→Executor Fee Calculator→Iowa

How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in Iowa?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Iowa sets executor compensation by statute.Iowa Code § 633.197 (6% first $1K, 4% next $4K, 2% over $5K)Verified May 7, 2026 The fee schedule is based on the gross value of the estate. Executors and beneficiaries may agree to a different amount, but the statutory schedule provides the default.

Yes. Executors in Iowa 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.

Iowa requires executors to post a surety bond.Iowa Code § 633.169Verified May 7, 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 Iowa is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries.Iowa Code §§ 633.31 (calendar/court costs), 633.169 (bond), 633.172/633.175 (bond waiver), 633.197 (PR fees), 633.198 (attorney fees), 633.304 (publication), 633.356 (small estate affidavit), 633.410 (creditor claims), Chapter 635 / § 635.1 ($200K summary administration threshold)Verified May 7, 2026 The process typically takes 6-9 months for simple estates and 9-15 months on average. The 4-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline. The Iowa executor checklist outlines each step.

Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Iowa probate. Attorney fees are set by statute.Iowa Code § 633.198 (capped at § 633.197 schedule: 6% first $1K, 4% next $4K, 2% over $5K)Verified May 7, 2026 Executor compensation is calculated separately from attorney fees. Both fees are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries.

Total probate costs in Iowa 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 Iowa probate calculator for a complete cost estimate.

The Iowa statutory schedule for executor compensation is: 6% on the first $1K, 4% on the next $4K, 2% on amounts above $5K.Iowa Code § 633.197 (6% first $1K, 4% next $4K, 2% over $5K)Verified May 7, 2026 The fee applies to the gross value of the probate estate. Extraordinary services may warrant additional compensation as approved by the court.

Executor Fees in Iowa

Executor fees in Iowa follow a statutory schedule — typically to of the estate value. This gives families predictability when estimating probate costs. The probate calculator includes executor fees in its total cost estimate.

Iowa bond requirement: YesIowa Code § 633.169Verified May 7, 2026. The bond is waivable (YesIowa Code § 633.169Verified May 7, 2026), often through a provision in the will. The typical bond premium is 0.5%Iowa Code § 633.169Verified May 7, 2026 of estate value annually. Bond costs are an additional probate expense beyond executor compensation.

Beyond executor compensation, Iowa probate involves attorney fees (statutory (set by law)Iowa Code § 633.198 (capped at § 633.197 schedule: 6% first $1K, 4% next $4K, 2% over $5K)Verified May 7, 2026), court filing fees, and publication costs. The executor is responsible for managing these expenses. See the executor checklist for a step-by-step guide to the Iowa probate process.

Simple estates in Iowa typically close in 6 monthsIowa Code §§ 633.31Verified May 7, 2026 to 9 monthsIowa Code §§ 633.31Verified May 7, 2026. Executor compensation is usually paid at the close of the estate, though interim fees may be requested for longer administrations.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated May 7, 2026

Legal Sources

  • Iowa Code § 633.169
  • Iowa Code § 633.198 (capped at § 633.197 schedule: 6% first $1K, 4% next $4K, 2% over $5K)
  • Iowa Code §§ 633.31

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

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