How Much Does a Trustee Get Paid in Virginia?
In Virginia, trustee compensation follows "reasonable compensation" (UTC § 708 or equivalent)Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-761Verified Sep 18, 2026View source unless the trust instrument sets a different amount.
Virginia allows a trustee reasonable compensationVa. Code Ann. § 64.2-761Verified 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 Virginia, that means federal income tax and state income taxVa. Code §§ 58.1-320, 58.1-322.03, 58.1-360Verified Sep 20, 2026View source at up to 5.75%Va. Code §§ 58.1-320, 58.1-322.03, 58.1-360Verified 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 Virginia 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 Virginia law. The Virginia 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 Virginia, executor compensation is reasonable compensation set by the courtVa. Code § 64.2-1208(A) (commissioner of accounts allows reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 9, 2026View source, and trustee compensation is set by the trust document or a reasonable-compensation standardVa. Code Ann. § 64.2-761Verified 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.
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How Do I Settle a Trust?
Settling a trust in Virginia happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's Uniform Trust CodeVa. Code § 64.2-700 et seq.Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries within 60 daysVa. Code §§ 64.2-775, 64.2-796Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
In Virginia, certified death certificates come from the Virginia Department of Health - Office of Vital RecordsVirginia Department of Health - Office of Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $15Virginia Department of Health - Office of Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source.
Do I Need Probate?
In Virginia, estates with personal property of $75,000Va. Code § 64.2-600Verified Sep 9, 2026View source or less skip probate with the Small Estate AffidavitVa. Code § 64.2-600Verified Sep 9, 2026View source, 60 daysVa. Code § 64.2-600Verified Sep 9, 2026View source after death.
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?
Virginia requires a final state income tax return for the decedent alongside the federal Form 1040Va. Code §§ 58.1-320, 58.1-322.03, 58.1-360Verified 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 Virginia: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 120 daysVa. Code § 64.2-1300Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 6 monthsVa. Code §§ 64.2-508.1, 64.2-528, 64.2-529, 64.2-550, 64.2-552, 64.2-556Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.
What Do I Do When Someone Dies?
After a death in Virginia, the estate either qualifies for the simplified procedure for estates under $75,000Va. Code § 64.2-600Verified Sep 9, 2026View source or goes through probate, where creditors have 6 monthsVa. Code §§ 64.2-554, 64.2-556(A) (six months from qualification before distribution may be compelled or ordered over creditors), 64.2-508.1(C)(4) (elective published notice: claims due at least six months from first publication); § 64.2-529 (separate 12-month personal-liability shield for the personal representative); § 64.2-550 (debts-and-demands hearing before the commissioner of accounts)Verified Sep 9, 2026View source to file claims after notice.
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