Iowa · Maximum allowed
Iowa executor fee calculator
Iowa caps executor fees for the usual duties at 6% of the first $1,000 of gross inventory assets, 4% of the next $4,000 and 2% of everything above $5,000. The court sets a reasonable fee up to that cap (Iowa Code § 633.197).
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Maximum allowed
$0
Enter the estate values to see the fee.
Source: Iowa Code § 633.197. This doesn't include extra pay for extraordinary work, or anything a will or written agreement sets instead.
General information, not legal advice. Statutes change, and courts apply them to the facts of each estate. Check with the probate court or a probate attorney before you rely on a figure or a date.
Iowa executor fee rates
| Part of the estate | Rate |
|---|---|
| First $1,000 | 6% |
| $1,000 to $5,000 | 4% |
| Above $5,000 | 2% |
Source: Iowa Code § 633.197.
What the fee is based on
The gross assets of the estate listed in the probate inventory, excluding life insurance proceeds unless payable to the estate (Iowa Code § 633.197).
Worked example
- Gross assets listed in the probate inventory: $500,000
| 6% of the first $1,000 | $60 |
| 4% of $1,000–$5,000 | $160 |
| 2% of the amount above $5,000 | $9,900 |
| Total | $10,120 |
What can change the amount
- The court allows a reasonable fee up to these amounts, and that fee covers all the usual duties (§ 633.197(1)).
Common questions
How much does an executor get paid in Iowa?
Iowa caps executor fees for the usual duties at 6% of the first $1,000 of gross inventory assets, 4% of the next $4,000 and 2% of everything above $5,000. The court sets a reasonable fee up to that cap (Iowa Code § 633.197).
What is the executor fee on $500,000 in Iowa?
The Iowa formula gives $10,120 for the usual executor duties (maximum allowed). Extra work, a clause in the will or a court order can change it.
Which assets count toward the executor fee in Iowa?
The gross assets of the estate listed in the probate inventory, excluding life insurance proceeds unless payable to the estate (Iowa Code § 633.197).
Can a Iowa executor get more or less than the formula?
The court allows a reasonable fee up to these amounts, and that fee covers all the usual duties (§ 633.197(1)).
More for Iowa
- Iowa probate forms→
10 court forms, by county.
- Iowa probate guide→
How probate works there, how long it takes, and when you can skip it.
- Iowa probate courts→
Phone numbers, addresses, fees and forms for each county court.
Sources
- Iowa Code § 633.197 — Iowa Legislature
We last checked the statute text against the official publishers in August 2026.