What is the executor fee in Missouri?

Missouri sets executor compensation by statute (RSMo § 473.153(1) (statutory minimum: 5% first $5K, 4% next $20K, 3% next $75K, 2.75% next $300K, 2.5% next $600K, 2% over $1M; where reasonable compensation exceeds the minimum the court shall allow additional compensation — extraordinary services not required). Schedule is computed on personal property administered plus proceeds of court-ordered real property sales; unsold real property is excluded from the base.). 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.

What does an executor do in Missouri?

An executor in Missouri is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries. The process typically takes 6-12 months for simple estates and 12-18 months on average (RSMo § 473.023 (court or clerk grants letters), § 473.047 (judge or clerk grants certificate of probate), § 473.050 (will presentment), § 473.065 (self-proved will probated without further proof), § 473.073 (clerk or court admits will and grants letters), § 473.090 (refusal of letters), § 473.097 (small estate), § 473.153 (fees; § 473.153(1) base = personal property administered + court-ordered real property sale proceeds), § 473.157 (bond), § 473.160 (bond waiver), § 473.233 (inventory deadline), § 473.360 (creditor claims), § 473.780 (independent administration), § 473.823 (independent-administration compensation), § 483.530 (probate division court costs), § 488.012 (uniform court cost surcharges)). The 6-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline.

How do executor fees compare to attorney fees in Missouri?

Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Missouri probate. Attorney fees are set by statute (RSMo § 473.153(3) (statutory minimum: 5% first $5K, 4% next $20K, 3% next $75K, 2.75% next $300K, 2.5% next $600K, 2% over $1M; where reasonable compensation exceeds the minimum the court shall allow additional compensation — extraordinary services not required). Per § 473.153(1) the base is personal property administered plus proceeds of court-ordered real property sales; unsold real property is excluded.). Executor compensation is calculated separately from attorney fees. Both fees are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries.

What is the Missouri statutory executor fee schedule?

The Missouri statutory schedule for executor compensation is: 5% on the first $5K, 4% on the next $20K, 3% on the next $75K, 2.8% on the next $300K, 2.5% on the next $600K, 2% on amounts above $1M (RSMo § 473.153(1) (statutory minimum: 5% first $5K, 4% next $20K, 3% next $75K, 2.75% next $300K, 2.5% next $600K, 2% over $1M; where reasonable compensation exceeds the minimum the court shall allow additional compensation — extraordinary services not required). Schedule is computed on personal property administered plus proceeds of court-ordered real property sales; unsold real property is excluded from the base.). The fee applies to the gross value of the probate estate. Extraordinary services may warrant additional compensation as approved by the court.

How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in Missouri?

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

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Total value of estate assets before debts. Executor fees are calculated on gross value.

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Missouri sets executor compensation by statute. 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 Missouri 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.

Missouri requires executors to post a surety bond. 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 Missouri is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries. The process typically takes 6-12 months for simple estates and 12-18 months on average. The 6-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline. The Missouri estate settlement plan outlines each step.

Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Missouri probate. Attorney fees are set by statute. Executor compensation is calculated separately from attorney fees. Both fees are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries. To estimate the attorney fee, use the Missouri probate attorney fee calculator.

Total probate costs in Missouri include executor fees, attorney fees, court filing fees, publication costs, and potentially bond premiums. Executor compensation is one component of the overall expense. On a $500,000 estate, the total runs about $31,315 — roughly 6% of estate value — depending on complexity. Use the Missouri probate calculator for a complete cost estimate.

The Missouri statutory schedule for executor compensation is: 5% on the first $5K, 4% on the next $20K, 3% on the next $75K, 2.8% on the next $300K, 2.5% on the next $600K, 2% on amounts above $1M. The fee applies to the gross value of the probate estate. Extraordinary services may warrant additional compensation as approved by the court.