Executor Fees
Can Executors Be Paid for Administering an Estate?
One of the most common questions people ask after being appointed as an executor is whether they are entitled to payment.
The answer depends on who the executor is, what the will says and whether they are acting in a personal or professional capacity.In many cases, family members acting as executors do not receive payment for their time, although they can often recover reasonable expenses incurred while administering the estate. Professional executors, such as solicitors, are usually entitled to charge for their services.
This guide explains how executor fees work and what beneficiaries should expect.
Do Executors Get Paid?
It depends.
There are generally two categories of executors:
Lay Executors
These are usually:
- Family members
- Friends
- Neighbours
- Other trusted individuals
Lay executors normally act voluntarily.
Professional Executors
These may include:
- Solicitors
- Licensed probate practitioners
- Banks
- Trust corporations
Professional executors usually charge fees for administering the estate.
Can Family Members Charge?
In most cases, family members cannot simply decide to charge for acting as an executor.
However, payment may be possible if:
- The will specifically authorises payment.
- All beneficiaries agree.
- A court authorises remuneration in limited circumstances.
Without authority, executors generally carry out the role without charging for their time.
Can Executors Claim Expenses?
Yes.
Executors can usually recover reasonable expenses incurred while administering the estate.
Examples include:
- Postage
- Travel costs
- Probate application fees
- Property security costs
- Death certificate fees
- Insurance costs
- Professional valuation fees
- Legal advertising costs
Keeping receipts is important.
Professional Executor Fees
Professional executors usually charge for:
- Probate applications
- Estate administration
- Property sales
- Tax returns
- Estate accounts
- Correspondence
- Legal advice
Some firms charge:
- Fixed fees
- Hourly rates
- A percentage of the estate
- A combination of these methods
Always ask for a written estimate before instructing a professional.
Are Executor Fees Tax Deductible?
Executor fees paid by the estate are generally treated as estate administration expenses rather than personal expenses.
The tax treatment depends on the circumstances and professional advice may be appropriate where significant sums are involved.
Should You Appoint a Professional Executor?
Professional executors may be suitable if:
- Your estate is valuable.
- You own a business.
- Overseas assets are involved.
- There are likely to be disputes.
- Trusts are included in your will.
- There are complex tax issues.
For simpler estates, appointing family members is often appropriate.
Common Mistakes
Avoid:
- Assuming family executors are automatically entitled to payment.
- Charging fees without authority.
- Failing to keep receipts.
- Not agreeing professional fees in advance.
- Confusing expenses with remuneration.
Compare Probate Solicitors Near You
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Usually not, unless the will authorises payment or another legal basis exists.
Reasonable travel expenses incurred during estate administration may usually be reclaimed.
Some firms do, although fee structures vary. Always ask how fees will be calculated.
Related Resources
- Estate Administration Solicitor
- Administer an Estate
- Executor Checklist
- Probate Explained
- Grant of Probate
- Inheritance Tax
- Closing Bank Accounts After Death
- Notifying Companies After Death
- Probate Solicitors
- Will Writing Solicitors