Executor Fees By State
Serving as executor for someone’s estate plans is a lot of work. You can definitely simplify the process with a free custom digital checklist of your duties that you can get here on this site. That said, it makes sense to have a potential interest being compensated.
You have the power of attorney for the deceased persons estate. You need to handle their real estate, settle any estate tax, communicate with their loved ones, and hire a law firm for legal advice, among other things.
So that brings the question…
Do/Should You Receive Payment for Serving as Executor?
There’s nothing wrong with accepting compensation for handling an estate. You are entitled to receive compensation for your work. In some cases, it will be stated in the will, in others it will be based on the state of residency of the will writer.
If you need more help deciding if you should accept compensation for serving as executor, read this guide.
If you’d like a bit more (free) help understanding the estate settlement process, you can answer a few simple questions and get a free custom executor plan here on Executor.org.
And, here are the executor fees by state, so you know how much compensation is reasonable.
Executor Fees by State Interactive Map
Click on your state in the map below to see the executor fees you’re entitled to:
Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not intended to be legal advice. Instead it is a guide of where to start when looking for executor fees in particular states. Some states allow executor compensation mentioned in a will to govern, others do not. Many of the laws governing executor compensation are complex and constantly changing, and we may have left out specific exclusions and exceptions. You should consult an estate attorney or the probate court for guidance.
Executor Fees in Alabama
Alabama is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
The Alabama executor fee has a restriction, though. Even though executor compensation in Alabama is supposed to be reasonable compensation, Alabama executor fees should not exceed 2.5%.
Executor Fees in Alaska
Alaska is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in Arizona
Arizona is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in Arkansas
Arkansas is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
The Arkansas executor fee has a restriction, though. Even though executor compensation in Arkansas is supposed to be reasonable compensation, Arkansas executor fees, by law should not exceed certain amounts. Reasonable compensation for executor fees in Arkansas should not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the first $1,000, five percent (5%) of the next $4,000, and three percent (3%) of the rest.
Executor Fees in California
California sets executor compensation by statute.
In states that set specific executor compensation rates by statute, you must use these statutes to calculate executor fees.
So how much should an executor of an estate be paid in California?
Executor fees in California are subject to this formula:
- Four percent (4%) on the first $100,000
- Three percent (3%) on the next $100,000
- Two percent (2%) on the next $800,000
- One percent (1%) on the next $9,000,000
- One-half of one percent (0.5%) on the next $15,000,000
- For all amounts above $25,000,000, remaining executor fees in California are to be a reasonable amount as determined by the court
Executor Fees in Colorado
Colorado does not have a statute governing executor compensation, which you can typically take to mean that Colorado executor fees fit within the reasonable compensation heading.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in Connecticut
Connecticut does not have a statute governing executor compensation, but case law seems to suggest that Connecticut executor fees fit within the reasonable compensation heading.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in Delaware
Delaware is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in Florida
Florida is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in Georgia
Executor fees in Georgia are governed by an extensive set of laws, including taking into account executor fees set by a will or other agreement. With lots of rules governing, the Georgia executor compensation can be boiled down to a general fee of 2.5%.
Executor Fees in Hawaii
Hawaii is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in Idaho
Idaho is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in Illinois
Illinois is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in Indiana
Indiana is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in Iowa
Iowa is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Iowa executor compensation has a restriction, though. Iowa executor fees, by law, should not exceed certain amounts. Reasonable fees are not to exceed six percent (6%) for the first $1,000; four percent (4%) for the next $1,000-$5,000; and two percent (2%) for remaining amounts greater than $5,000.
Executor Fees in Kansas
Kansas is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in Kentucky
Kentucky law says that executor fees should not exceed five percent (5%). But how much should you choose as an executor fee in Kentucky without more specific guidelines than that? You should treat Kentucky executor compensation like states that are reasonable compensation states.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in Louisiana
Louisiana law allows for a reasonable amount of executor compensation set out in a will. If there is nothing listed in the will, then 2.5% is a typical Louisiana executor fee.
Executor Fees in Maine
Maine is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in Maryland
Maryland is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
Maryland executor compensation has a restriction, though. Maryland executor fees, by law, should not exceed certain amounts. Reasonable compensation is not to exceed 9% if less than $20,000; and $1,800 plus 3.6% of the excess over $20,000.
Executor Fees in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in Michigan
Michigan is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in Minnesota
Minnesota is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in Mississippi
Mississippi is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in Missouri
Missouri sets executor compensation by statute.
In states that set specific executor compensation rates by statute, you must use these statutes to calculate executor fees.
So how much should an executor of an estate be paid in Missouri?
Executor fees in Missouri are subject to this formula:
- First $5,000 is 5%
- Next $20,000 is 4%
- Next $75, 000 is 3%
- Next $300, 000 is 3.75%
- Next $600,000 is 2.5%
- Greater than $1,000,000 is 2%
Executor Fees in Montana
Montana sets executor compensation by statute.
In states that set specific executor compensation rates by statute, you must use these statutes to calculate executor fees.
So how much should an executor of an estate be paid in Montana?
Executor fees in Montana are subject to this formula:
- First $40,000 is 3%
- Greater than $40,000 is 2%
Montana also sets minimum compensation as the lesser of $100 or the value of the gross estate.
Executor Fees in Nebraska
Nebraska is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in Nevada
Nevada sets executor compensation by statute.
In states that set specific executor compensation rates by statute, you must use these statutes to calculate executor fees.
So how much should an executor of an estate be paid in Nevada?
Executor fees in Nevada are subject to this formula:
- First $15,000 is 4%
- Next $85,000 is 3%
- Greater than $100,000 is 2%
Executor Fees in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in New Jersey
New Jersey sets executor compensation by statute.
In states that set specific executor compensation rates by statute, you must use these statutes to calculate executor fees.
So how much should an executor of an estate be paid in New Jersey?
Executor fees in New Jersey are subject to this formula:
- First $200,000 is 5%
- $200,001-$1,000,000 is 3.5%
- Greater than $1,000,000 is 2%
Executor Fees in New Mexico
New Mexico is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in New York
New York sets executor compensation by statute.
In states that set specific executor compensation rates by statute, you must use these statutes to calculate executor fees.
So how much should an executor of an estate be paid in New York?
Executor fees in New York are subject to this formula:
- First $100,000 is 5%
- Next $200,000 is 4%
- Next $700,000 is 3%
- Next $4,000,000 is 2.5%
- Remaining amounts greater than $5,000,000 is 2%
Executor Fees in North Carolina
North Carolina law says that executor fees are up to the discretion of the clerk of the superior court but should not exceed five percent (5%). But how much should you choose as an executor fee in North Carolina without more specific guidelines than that? You should treat North Carolina executor compensation like states that are reasonable compensation states.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in North Dakota
North Dakota is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in Ohio
Ohio sets executor compensation by statute.
In states that set specific executor compensation rates by statute, you must use these statutes to calculate executor fees.
So how much should an executor of an estate be paid in Ohio?
Executor fees in Ohio are subject to this formula:
- First $100,000 is 4%
- $100,001-$400,000 is 3%
- Greater than $400,000 is 2%
Executor Fees in Oklahoma
Oklahoma sets executor compensation by statute.
In states that set specific executor compensation rates by statute, you must use these statutes to calculate executor fees.
So how much should an executor of an estate be paid in Oklahoma?
Executor fees in Oklahoma are subject to this formula:
- First $1,000 is 5%
- Next $5,000 is 4%
- Remaining amounts greater than $6,000 is 2.5%
Executor Fees in Oregon
Oregon sets executor compensation by statute.
In states that set specific executor compensation rates by statute, you must use these statutes to calculate executor fees.
So how much should an executor of an estate be paid in Oregon?
Executor fees in Oregon are subject to this formula:
- First $1,000 is 7%
- $1,001-$10,000 is 4%
- $10,001-$50,000 is 3%
- Greater than $50,000 is 2%
Executor Fees in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in South Carolina
South Carolina is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
The South Carolina executor fee has a restriction, though. Even though executor compensation in South Carolina is supposed to be reasonable compensation, South Carolina executor fees should not exceed 5%.
Executor Fees in South Dakota
South Dakota is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
But unlike other states, South Dakota law sets forth factors to be considered when the court makes a determination of a reasonable fee.
Executor Fees in Tennessee
Tennessee is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in Texas
Texas sets executor compensation by statute.
In states that set specific executor compensation rates by statute, you must use these statutes to calculate executor fees.
Executor compensation in Texas is typically 5%.
Executor Fees in Utah
Utah is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in Vermont
While Vermont uses the term “necessary expenses,” it can be interpreted as being a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in Virginia
Virginia is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in Washington
Washington is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.
In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court. Typically, the probate court will find executor compensation reasonable if it is in line with what people have received in the past as compensation in that area.
For example, if in the last year, executor fees were typically 1.5%, then 1.5% would be considered reasonable and 3% may be unreasonable. But the court can take into account other factors such as how complicated the estate is to administer and may increase or decrease the amount from there.
Executor Fees in West Virginia
West Virginia sets executor compensation by statute.
In states that set specific executor compensation rates by statute, you must use these statutes to calculate executor fees.
So how much should an executor of an estate be paid in West Virginia?
Executor fees in West Virginia are subject to this formula:
- First $100,000 is 5%
- $100,001-$400,000 is 4%
- $400,001-$800,000 is 3%
- Remaining amounts greater than $800,000 is 2%
Executor Fees in Wisconsin
Wisconsin sets executor compensation by statute.
In states that set specific executor compensation rates by statute, you must use these statutes to calculate executor fees.
Executor compensation in Wisconsin is typically 2%.
Executor Fees in Wyoming
Wyoming sets executor compensation by statute.
In states that set specific executor compensation rates by statute, you must use these statutes to calculate executor fees.
So how much should an executor of an estate be paid in Wyoming?
Executor fees in Wyoming are subject to this formula:
- First $1,000 is 10%
- $1,001-$5,000 is 5%
- $5,001-$20,000 is 3%
- Remaining amounts greater than $20,000 is 2%
Patrick O’Brien is CEO and co-founder of Executor.org, an online resource that helps executors manage their responsibilities and duties in this complex role. The tool includes a helpful step-by-step interactive guide for executors and invaluable tips on everything from planning a funeral and keeping beneficiaries happy to dealing with grief and managing estate assets. Use our tool to simplify the process and minimize your stress.
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