How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in Iowa?
Iowa lets the court set executor compensation, capped at a statutory schedule — about $10,120 on a $500,000 estate, roughly 2.0%Iowa Code § 633.197 ("reasonable fees as may be determined by the court...but not in excess of" 6% first $1K, 4% next $4K, 2% over $5K of "the gross assets of the estate listed in the probate inventory", excluding life insurance not payable to the estate per § 633.197(2))Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Iowa lets the court set executor compensation, capped at a statutory schedule — about $10,120 on a $500,000 estate, roughly 2.0%Iowa Code § 633.197 ("reasonable fees as may be determined by the court...but not in excess of" 6% first $1K, 4% next $4K, 2% over $5K of "the gross assets of the estate listed in the probate inventory", excluding life insurance not payable to the estate per § 633.197(2))Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. The schedule is the ceiling, not an entitlement. Executors can waive the fee entirely or accept a reduced amount.
In Iowa, the court sets one combined compensation amount; the number of executors does not change the estate's total.Iowa Code § 633.197Verified Jul 25, 2026View source
Iowa requires a bond of the personal representative by defaultIowa Code § 633.169Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. The requirement can often be excusedIowa Code § 633.169Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, by a waiver in the will, agreement of the heirs, or court order, depending on the state. If the court requires a corporate surety, the premium runs about 0.5%Iowa Code § 633.169Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the bonded amount annually; most estates avoid it through a waiver or a surety-free bond. The bond protects beneficiaries against executor misconduct or mismanagement.
Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Iowa probate: attorney fees set by the court and capped at a statutory scheduleIowa Code § 633.198 ("such reasonable fee as may be determined by the court...but not in excess of the schedule of fees provided in this part for personal representatives" — § 633.197 ceiling: 6% first $1K, 4% next $4K, 2% over $5K)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, and executor compensation is set separatelyIowa Code § 633.197 ("reasonable fees as may be determined by the court...but not in excess of" 6% first $1K, 4% next $4K, 2% over $5K of "the gross assets of the estate listed in the probate inventory", excluding life insurance not payable to the estate per § 633.197(2))Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Both are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries. Estimate the attorney fee with the Iowa probate attorney fee calculator.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Forms for Settling an Estate in Iowa
Free forms for settling an estate in Iowa: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.
Notice to Creditors
In Iowa, the notice to creditors is published for 2Iowa Code §§ 633.230, 633.304, 633.410, 633.413, 633.425, 633.442Verified Oct 18, 2026View source weeks in a local newspaper, and creditors have 4 monthsIowa Code § 633.410Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from the last publication to present claims.
Renunciation of Executor
In Iowa, a person named as executor may renounce the right to serveIowa Code § 633.292 (scan of Chapter 633)Verified Sep 23, 2026View source before anyone is appointed.
Small Estate Affidavit
In Iowa, the Small Estate AffidavitIowa Code § 633.356Verified Sep 8, 2026View source covers estates with personal property of $100,000Iowa Code § 633.356Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less, 40 daysIowa Code § 633.356Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death, presented directly to the bank or other holder, not filed with a court.
Estate Inventory
In Iowa, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 120 daysIowa Code §§ 633.361, 633.364, 633.365 (§ 633.361 as amended by 2026 Acts, HF 2532, § 4)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.
Estate Closing
In Iowa, the personal representative is discharged by court orderIowa Code §§ 633.478, 633.479Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required unless it is waived.
Tools for Settling an Estate in Iowa
Free tools for settling an estate in Iowa: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
Can I Self-File Probate?
Iowa has no statewide fill-in probate petition, so the opening petition is drafted as a legal pleading, and informal probate is not availableIowa Code §§ 633.290, 633.294 (district court admits the will and grants letters; no registrar/informal track)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
How Do I Get Appointed as Executor?
In Iowa, the District Court sitting in probate appoints the personal representative and the Clerk of the district court issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration; every appointment goes through the courtIowa Code §§ 633.290, 633.294 (district court admits the will and grants letters; no registrar/informal track)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?
In Iowa, creditors have 4 monthsIowa Code § 633.410Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from the last publication of the creditor notice to present claims; late claims are barred.
What Happens When an Estate Is Insolvent?
When an estate owes more than it holds, Iowa pays the claims in 10Iowa Code § 633.425Verified Sep 23, 2026View source classes in statutory order, beginning with court costs.
How Do I Open an Estate Account When Someone Dies?
Compare estate-account opening requirements bank by bank: channels, required documents, and steps.
What Is the Estate's Personal Property Worth for Probate?
Estimate the fair market value of household items for probate and see how it affects fees.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Probate on a $500,000 estate in Iowa costs an estimated $21,555Iowa Code § 633.198 ("such reasonable fee as may be determined by the court...but not in excess of the schedule of fees provided in this part for personal representatives" — § 633.197 ceiling: 6% first $1K, 4% next $4K, 2% over $5K)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Attorney fees set by the court and capped at a statutory scheduleIowa Code § 633.198 ("such reasonable fee as may be determined by the court...but not in excess of the schedule of fees provided in this part for personal representatives" — § 633.197 ceiling: 6% first $1K, 4% next $4K, 2% over $5K)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Hire an Iowa Probate Attorney
Browse 62 probate firms in Iowa with addresses, contact info, and practice details.
Your kids shouldn't have to do this.
Iowa Estate Settlement Resources
In-depth guides covering Iowa probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.