Executor Fee Calculator — All
50 States
If you've been named executor or personal representative of an estate, one of the first questions is: how much will I be paid? The answer depends entirely on the state. Some states set fees by statute with fixed percentage tiers. Others leave it to the court to determine what's reasonable. A handful require explicit court approval before any compensation is paid. This free calculator covers all 50 states and DC so you can see exactly what the executor is entitled to — in minutes, not hours of research.
Important: This tool provides educational estimates only — not legal advice. Made For Law is not a law firm and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, county, or local government agency or court system. Calculator results are based on statutory formulas and publicly available fee schedules — not AI. Supporting content is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Results may not reflect recent legislative changes or your specific circumstances. Do not rely solely on these estimates — always verify with official sources and consult a licensed attorney before making legal or financial decisions. Full disclaimer
How much can executors charge?
Executor compensation is not one national number. Some states use statutory percentages, some rely on reasonable compensation, and others require court approval for unusual or contested fees. Use this calculator to identify the state rule first, then compare the result to estate size, time spent, extraordinary services, and whether the executor is also a beneficiary.
The phrase "how much can executors charge" usually means two separate questions: what the law allows and what the family will accept as fair. A statutory fee may still be reduced by the court for poor performance, while a reasonable-fee state may approve a higher amount when the estate involves litigation, business operations, tax work, or real property sales.
Three Fee Models, One Calculator
Statutory Percentage
States like California, New York, and Florida define executor compensation as a percentage of estate value, often in declining tiers. The calculator applies each tier automatically and shows the exact dollar amount.
Reasonable Compensation
The majority of states allow “reasonable” fees determined by factors such as estate size, complexity, time spent, and local norms. The calculator provides benchmarks based on published court data and practitioner guidelines.
Court Approved
A small number of jurisdictions, most notably Louisiana, require the court to approve executor compensation before it is paid. The calculator flags these requirements and provides common court-approved benchmarks.
Why Knowing the Fee Structure Matters
Executor compensation is one of the most common sources of confusion — and conflict — in estate administration. Knowing the fee structure upfront helps executors, beneficiaries, and families understand what's fair and what's required by law. This calculator covers all 50 states plus the District of Columbia with county-level accuracy where applicable.
Executor Fee Schedules by State — Top Jurisdictions
The table below summarizes how the largest states set executor compensation. Statutory states provide certainty; reasonable compensation states give the court flexibility to adjust fees based on the complexity of the administration.
| State | Fee Model | Schedule / Benchmark | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Statutory % | 4% / 3% / 2% / 1% / 0.5% (tiered) | Prob. Code § 10800 |
| New York | Statutory % | 5% / 4% / 3% / 2.5% / 2% (tiered) | SCPA § 2307 |
| Florida | Statutory % | 3% / 2.5% / 2% / 1.5% (tiered) | Fla. Stat. § 733.617 |
| New Jersey | Statutory % | 6% on income + 5% on first $200K corpus | N.J.S.A. § 3B:18-13 |
| Ohio | Statutory % | 4% / 3% / 2% (tiered by estate value) | ORC § 2113.35 |
| Texas | Reasonable | ~5% benchmark; court discretion | Tex. Estates Code |
| Illinois | Reasonable | 2%–5% typical range | 755 ILCS 5/27-2 |
| Pennsylvania | Reasonable | 2%–5%; county norms vary | Orphans' Court |
Rates shown are the standard schedules. Extraordinary services may qualify for additional compensation in all states. Select your state above for the full schedule.
Executor vs. Attorney Fees: Understanding the Difference
In several states — most notably California — the statutory schedule that governs executor fees applies equally to attorney fees. This means total probate administration costs (executor + attorney) equal exactly double the rate applied to each tier. In other states, such as New York, attorney fees are governed by a separate “reasonable compensation” standard, making total costs less predictable.
Understanding this distinction is important when planning an estate or advising clients on expected probate costs. The executor fee calculator gives you the personal representative's share; add an estimated attorney fee to arrive at total administration cost.
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Frequently asked questions
Edited and reviewed by our editorial team. Answers are general information — not legal advice.
How much does an executor get paid?
Executor compensation depends entirely on the state. In California, executors receive a statutory percentage: 4% of the first $100,000, 3% of the next $100,000, 2% of the next $800,000, and declining rates above that. New York pays 5% on the first $100,000, 4% on the next $200,000, and 3% on the next $700,000. Most 'reasonable compensation' states pay executors $20–$35 per hour or 2–4% of the estate, whichever the court approves.
Does an executor have to take a fee?
No. Executors can waive their compensation entirely, which is common when the executor is also a primary beneficiary — taking a fee just converts inheritance (often tax-free) into taxable income. However, professional executors (bank trust departments, attorneys) almost always charge fees. The decision to waive should be documented in writing to avoid disputes.
Is executor compensation taxable?
Yes. Executor fees are taxable income, just like wages. The executor must report the compensation on their personal income tax return, and it is subject to self-employment tax if the executor regularly serves in this capacity. This is one reason many family members who are also beneficiaries choose to waive their fee — receiving the inheritance instead involves no income tax obligation (though it may have estate tax implications).
Can an executor be removed?
Yes. Courts can remove an executor who breaches their fiduciary duties, fails to act in the best interest of the estate and beneficiaries, mismanages assets, fails to file required accountings, or has a conflict of interest. Beneficiaries typically petition the probate court to remove an executor. The process requires showing cause, and courts are reluctant to remove executors without clear evidence of misconduct or incompetence.
What does an executor do?
An executor is responsible for: locating and filing the will with probate court, notifying creditors and beneficiaries, inventorying and appraising assets, paying valid debts and taxes (including any estate tax return), managing estate assets during probate, and ultimately distributing what remains to beneficiaries. Complex estates with businesses, real estate in multiple states, or tax issues can take 2+ years to administer.
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