How Much Does a Trustee Get Paid in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, trustee compensation follows "reasonable compensation" (UTC § 708 or equivalent)Ark. Code Ann. § 28-73-708Verified Sep 18, 2026View source unless the trust instrument sets a different amount.
Arkansas allows a trustee reasonable compensationArk. Code Ann. § 28-73-708Verified Sep 18, 2026View source, with no statutory schedule, so the amount turns on the type of trustee and the work. A family trustee typically takes 0% to 1% of trust assets a year, or waives the fee; a professional trustee 0.5% to 1.5%; a corporate trustee 1% to 2% with an annual minimum of about $5,000.
Yes. Trustee compensation is taxable income to the trustee. In Arkansas, that means federal income tax and state income taxArk. Code Ann. § 26-51-201(a)(4); Act 1, 1st Ex. Sess. 2026 (HB1001)Verified Sep 20, 2026View source at up to 3.7%Ark. Code Ann. § 26-51-201(a)(4); Act 1, 1st Ex. Sess. 2026 (HB1001)Verified Sep 20, 2026View source. A professional trustee also owes self-employment tax on it; a family trustee who is not in the business of serving reports it as other income. The trust deducts the payment as an administration expense.
Yes. A family member serving as trustee in Arkansas is entitled to the same compensation as a professional. Many family trustees waive or reduce the fee, especially when they are also beneficiaries, since the fee is taxable income to the trustee while a distribution usually is not. A record of time and duties is what supports any fee taken if a beneficiary or a court asks.
A one-time fee fits a trust that distributes everything and closes, the way an executor is paid once for a probate. An annual fee fits a trust that continues for years, such as one holding assets for a minor child or a beneficiary with special needs. Which model applies follows the trust's purpose, not Arkansas law. The Arkansas executor fee calculator is the comparison for a one-time distribution.
The two roles differ in length: an executor handles a probate that runs 6 months to 12 months, while a trustee may manage assets for years. In Arkansas, executor compensation is reasonable compensation set by the courtArk. Code § 28-48-108(a) (just and reasonable; not to exceed 10% first $1K + 5% next $4K + 3% balance of personal property passing through PR's hands)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, and trustee compensation is set by the trust document or a reasonable-compensation standardArk. Code Ann. § 28-73-708Verified Sep 18, 2026View source. A one-time trustee fee on a trust that distributes at once is often comparable to the executor fee on an estate of the same size.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Forms for Settling an Estate in Arkansas
Free forms for settling an estate in Arkansas: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.
Tools for Settling an Estate in Arkansas
Free tools for settling an estate in Arkansas: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Do I Settle a Trust?
Settling a trust in Arkansas happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's Uniform Trust CodeArk. Code Ann. § 28-73-101 et seq.Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries within 60 daysArk. Code §§ 28-73-813, 28-73-1005Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
In Arkansas, certified death certificates come from the Arkansas Department of Health - Vital RecordsArkansas Department of Health - Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $10Arkansas Department of Health - Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source, additional copies $8Arkansas Department of Health - Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source each.
Do I Need Probate?
In Arkansas, estates valued at $100,000Ark. Code § 28-41-101Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less use the Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate by DistributeeArk. Code § 28-41-101Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, 45 daysArk. Code § 28-41-101Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death, a court filing short of full probate.
What Happens to Jointly Owned Property When an Owner Dies?
When a joint owner dies in Arkansas: Arkansas law names no affidavit or certificate to record when a joint tenant or tenant by the entirety dies. The deceased owner's interest passes to the survivor under the deed that created the survivorship tenancyArk. Code Title 18, ch. 12, subchs. 1, 2 and 6; §§ 14-15-401 to 14-15-403; Title 28, chs. 8, 10 and 15; Title 20, chs. 17 and 18Verified Oct 26, 2026View source.
How Do I Open a Trust Account at My Bank?
Compare trust-account requirements bank by bank: how a revocable trust account is opened or retitled, and what proves the trust.
Do I Have to File Tax Returns for Someone Who Died?
Arkansas requires a final state income tax return for the decedent alongside the federal Form 1040Ark. Code Ann. § 26-51-201(a)(4); Act 1, 1st Ex. Sess. 2026 (HB1001)Verified Sep 20, 2026View source; a federal estate tax return (Form 706) is required only for estates above $15,000,00026 USC 2001(c), 2010; P.L. 119-21 §70106Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Arkansas: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 daysArk. Code § 28-49-110Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 6 monthsArk. Code §§ 28-50-101, 28-50-103, 28-50-104, 28-50-105, 28-50-106, 28-1-112, 28-40-111Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.
Hire an Arkansas Trust Administration Attorney
Browse 80 trust administration firms in Arkansas with addresses, contact info, and practice details.
Your kids shouldn't have to do this.
Arkansas Estate Settlement Resources
In-depth guides covering Arkansas probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.