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Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. Fees vary by state law.
Texas allows executors to receive "reasonable compensation" as determined by the court.Tex. Est. Code § 352.002 (5% commission on cash receipts/disbursements under § 352.002(a); excludes funds on hand/in financial institutions at death, life insurance, and cash distributions to heirs per § 352.002(b); aggregate cap of 5% of gross FMV). Calculator estimates effective compensation on the gross estate at 2–4% (industry-typical); statutory rate is not applied directly because the cash-flow base is not collected here.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 Texas 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.
Texas requires executors to post a surety bond.Tex. Est. Code § 305.101Verified 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 Texas is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries.Tex. Est. Code §§ 205.001/205.006 (small estate), 256.003 (4-year will filing deadline), 257.001 (muniment of title), 305.101 (bond), 308.051 (publication), 352.002 (executor commission; cash-flow base with § 352.002(b) exclusions and 5% gross-FMV cap), 352.051 (attorney fees), 355.001 (general claim presentment), 355.060 (121-day claim bar), 401.001-401.003 (independent administration); re-verified 2026-05-27 against statutes.capitol.texas.govVerified May 27, 2026 The process typically takes 4-6 months for simple estates and 6-12 months on average. The 4-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline. The Texas executor checklist outlines each step.
Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Texas probate. Attorney fees are based on reasonable compensation.Tex. Est. Code § 352.051 (reasonable and necessarily incurred fees; 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 Texas 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 Texas probate calculator for a complete cost estimate.
In-depth guides covering Texas probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.
Total value of estate assets before debts. Executor fees are calculated on gross value.
Select your state and enter the estate value to see what an executor can charge.
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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