Kentucky · Maximum allowed
Kentucky executor fee calculator
Kentucky caps an executor's pay at 5% of the value of the personal estate (property other than real estate) plus 5% of the income collected (KRS 395.150).
Last updated
Maximum allowed
$0
Enter the estate values to see the fee.
Source: KRS 395.150. 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.
Kentucky executor fee rates
| Part of the estate | Rate |
|---|---|
| Personal estate | Up to 5% |
| Income collected | Up to 5% |
Source: KRS 395.150.
What the fee is based on
The value of the personal estate of the person who died, plus income collected for the estate (KRS 395.150(1)).
Worked example
- Value of the personal estate: $300,000
- Income collected by the executor: $5,000
| 5% of the personal estate | $15,000 |
| 5% of income collected | $250 |
| Total | $15,250 |
What can change the amount
- The court can allow fair and reasonable extra pay for unusual or extraordinary work, or for work involving real estate or certain death taxes (KRS 395.150(2)).
Common questions
How much does an executor get paid in Kentucky?
Kentucky caps an executor's pay at 5% of the value of the personal estate (property other than real estate) plus 5% of the income collected (KRS 395.150).
What is the executor fee on the example estate in Kentucky?
The Kentucky formula gives $15,250 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 Kentucky?
The value of the personal estate of the person who died, plus income collected for the estate (KRS 395.150(1)).
Can a Kentucky executor get more or less than the formula?
The court can allow fair and reasonable extra pay for unusual or extraordinary work, or for work involving real estate or certain death taxes (KRS 395.150(2)).
More for Kentucky
- Kentucky probate forms→
12 court forms, by county.
- Kentucky probate guide→
How probate works there, how long it takes, and when you can skip it.
- Kentucky probate courts→
Phone numbers, addresses, fees and forms for each county court.
Sources
- KRS 395.150 — Kentucky Legislative Research Commission
We last checked the statute text against the official publishers in August 2026.