How Much Does a Trustee Get Paid in Texas?
In Texas, trustee compensation follows "reasonable compensation" (UTC § 708 or equivalent)Tex. Prop. Code Ann. § 114.061Verified Sep 18, 2026View source unless the trust instrument sets a different amount.
Texas allows a trustee reasonable compensationTex. Prop. Code Ann. § 114.061Verified 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. Texas has no state income taxTex. Const. Art. VIII, § 24-a (added by Proposition 4, Nov. 5, 2019; former § 24 repealed)Verified Sep 20, 2026View source, so only the federal income tax reaches it. 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 Texas 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 Texas law. The Texas executor fee calculator is the comparison for a one-time distribution.
The two roles differ in length: an executor handles a probate that runs 4 months to 12 months, while a trustee may manage assets for years. In Texas, executor compensation is reasonable compensation set by the courtTex. Est. Code §§ 352.002, 352.003Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, and trustee compensation is set by the trust document or a reasonable-compensation standardTex. Prop. Code Ann. § 114.061Verified 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 Texas
Free forms for settling an estate in Texas: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.
Tools for Settling an Estate in Texas
Free tools for settling an estate in Texas: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Do I Settle a Trust?
Settling a trust in Texas happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's trust statuteTex. Prop. Code § 111.001 et seq.Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
In Texas, certified death certificates come from the Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics SectionTexas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics SectionVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $20Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics SectionVerified Oct 15, 2026View source, additional copies $3Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics SectionVerified Oct 15, 2026View source each.
Do I Need Probate?
In Texas, estates valued at $75,000Tex. Est. Code § 205.001/205.006Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less use the Small Estate AffidavitTex. Est. Code § 205.001/205.006Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, 30 daysTex. Est. Code § 205.001/205.006Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death, a court filing short of full probate.
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?
Texas has no state income tax, so only the federal final Form 1040 is due for the decedentTex. Const. Art. VIII, § 24-a (added by Proposition 4, Nov. 5, 2019; former § 24 repealed)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 Texas: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysTex. Estates Code §§ 309.001, 309.051, 309.056, 309.101Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 4 monthsTex. Estates Code §§ 308.051-308.056, 355.001-355.004, 355.060, 355.064, 355.102Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 4 months to 6 months.
What Do I Do When Someone Dies?
After a death in Texas, the estate either qualifies for the simplified procedure for estates under $75,000Tex. Est. Code § 205.001/205.006Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or goes through probate, where creditors have 4 monthsTex. Est. Code § 355.060 (121-day bar from a creditor's RECEIPT of the optional § 308.054 notice; § 403.055 is the identical bar in an independent administration); § 355.001 (claims may be presented any time before the estate closes when no § 308.054 notice is sent). Texas has NO claim period running from the § 308.051 published notice.Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to file claims after notice.
Hire a Texas Trust Administration Attorney
Browse 43 trust administration firms in Texas with addresses, contact info, and practice details.
Your kids shouldn't have to do this.
Texas Estate Settlement Resources
In-depth guides covering Texas probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.