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Home→Tools→Executor Fee Calculator→Tennessee

How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in Tennessee?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tennessee allows executors to receive "reasonable compensation" as determined by the court.T.C.A. §§ 30-2-606, 30-1-407 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 27, 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 Tennessee 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.

Tennessee requires executors to post a surety bond.T.C.A. § 30-1-201Verified May 27, 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 Tennessee is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries.T.C.A. §§ 30-4-101 (act name), 30-4-102 (definitions: $50K threshold in subsec (9); personal-property-only restriction in subsec (8); amended by HB0337/Public Ch. 297, eff. 4/28/2023), 30-4-103 (45-day waiting period, bond rules, no creditor notice), 30-2-306 (publication; 4-month bar from first publication), 30-2-307 (60-day actual-notice rule), 30-2-310 (12-month outer bar from death), 30-1-201 (bond), 30-2-301 (inventory), 30-2-601 (accounting waiver), 30-2-606/30-1-407 (compensation). Cross-verified against 2023 Public Chapter 297 (publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/113/pub/pc0297.pdf) and Tennessee General Assembly HB0337 record.Verified May 27, 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 Tennessee executor checklist outlines each step.

Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Tennessee probate. Attorney fees are based on reasonable compensation.T.C.A. §§ 30-2-606, 30-1-407 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 27, 2026 Executor compensation is calculated separately from attorney fees. Both fees are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries.

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

Executor Fees in Tennessee

Executor compensation in Tennessee is based on reasonable compensation, ranging from 2%T.C.A. §§ 30-2-606, 30-1-407 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 27, 2026 to 4%T.C.A. §§ 30-2-606, 30-1-407 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 27, 2026 of estate value. Unlike statutory-fee states, executors and beneficiaries have flexibility to negotiate. Use the Tennessee probate calculator to see how executor fees fit into total probate costs.

Tennessee bond requirement: YesT.C.A. § 30-1-201Verified May 27, 2026. The bond is waivable (YesT.C.A. § 30-1-201Verified May 27, 2026), often through a provision in the will. The typical bond premium is 0.5%T.C.A. § 30-1-201Verified May 27, 2026 of estate value annually. Bond costs are an additional probate expense beyond executor compensation.

Beyond executor compensation, Tennessee probate involves attorney fees (reasonable compensationT.C.A. §§ 30-2-606, 30-1-407 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 27, 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 Tennessee probate process.

Simple estates in Tennessee typically close in 6 monthsT.C.A. §§ 30-4-101 (act name), 30-4-102 (definitions: $50K threshold in subsec (9)Verified May 27, 2026 to 9 monthsT.C.A. §§ 30-4-101 (act name), 30-4-102 (definitions: $50K threshold in subsec (9)Verified May 27, 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 27, 2026

Legal Sources

  • T.C.A. § 30-1-201
  • T.C.A. §§ 30-2-606, 30-1-407 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
  • T.C.A. §§ 30-4-101 (act name), 30-4-102 (definitions: $50K threshold in subsec (9)

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

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Tennessee Estate Planning Resources

In-depth guides covering Tennessee 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.

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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.

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