Calculate your probate fees
Enter the gross value of assets that will pass through probate to see your estimated court costs. The calculator applies the current BC probate fee brackets automatically.
Note: This calculator provides estimates based on the BC Supreme Court Civil Rules probate fee schedule. Actual fees may vary. Estate value should reflect only assets that pass through probate (not joint assets, beneficiary-designated accounts, or life insurance). This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Fees are subject to change by the BC government.
How BC probate fees work
British Columbia charges two types of court costs when you apply for a grant of probate:
- Court filing fee ($200): A flat fee paid when you submit your probate application to the BC Supreme Court registry. This is the same regardless of estate size.
- Probate fees (estate administration tax): A graduated fee based on the gross value of the estate. This is the larger cost for most estates and is calculated using the bracket system below.
BC probate fee brackets
Probate fees in BC use a tiered bracket system similar to income tax. Each portion of the estate value is taxed at its bracket rate:
| Estate Value Bracket | Rate | Per $1,000 | Max for Bracket |
|---|---|---|---|
| First $25,000 | 0% | $0 | $0 |
| $25,001 to $50,000 | 0.6% | $6 | $150 |
| Over $50,000 | 1.4% | $14 | No maximum |
What counts as estate value for probate fees
Only assets that pass through probate are included in the fee calculation. Understanding this distinction can significantly affect your total costs:
Included in probate value
- • Real estate in deceased's name alone
- • Bank accounts (sole name, no beneficiary)
- • Investment/brokerage accounts (sole name)
- • Vehicles registered to deceased
- • Personal property of significant value
- • Business interests/shares
NOT included (pass outside probate)
- • Jointly held property (passes to survivor)
- • RRSPs/RRIFs/TFSAs with named beneficiary
- • Life insurance with named beneficiary
- • Pension death benefits
- • Assets held in a trust
- • CPP/OAS death benefit
Other costs to plan for
Probate fees are just one part of the total cost. Here are other common expenses executors encounter:
| Expense | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Commissioner/notary for affidavits | $50 - $150 |
| BC Wills Registry search (VSA 532) | ~$20 |
| Certified copies of grant | $40 each |
| Death certificates (additional copies) | $27 each |
| Registered mail for P1 notices | $15 - $25 per beneficiary |
| Land title search/transfer | $50 - $200+ |
| ProbateDesk document preparation | $799 - $2,499 |
| Lawyer (full service alternative) | $3,000 - $15,000+ |
Save on professional costs
ProbateDesk prepares all your probate forms for $799-$2,499 — a fraction of the $3,000-$15,000+ lawyers charge. We handle P1 notices, probate package assembly, and filing guidance. Learn how it works →
Read the full BC Probate Fees and Costs guide →
Frequently asked questions
How are BC probate fees calculated?
BC probate fees are calculated on the gross estate value (assets before debts) that passes through probate. The first $25,000 is free, the next $25,000 is charged at $6 per $1,000 (0.6%), and everything over $50,000 is charged at $14 per $1,000 (1.4%). There is also a flat $200 court filing fee.
Do I pay probate fees on the full estate value?
No. You only pay on assets that actually go through probate. Joint assets (like a jointly-held house), accounts with named beneficiaries (RRSPs, TFSAs, life insurance), and assets held in trust are excluded from the probate value calculation.
When do I have to pay the probate fees?
Probate fees are paid when you file your application at the BC Supreme Court registry. The $200 filing fee is paid at submission, and the probate fees (estate administration tax) are assessed based on the estate value declared in your application.
Can I pay probate fees from the estate?
Yes. Probate fees are a legitimate estate expense. However, you typically need to pay them upfront before the grant is issued (since you need the grant to access estate funds). Many executors pay from personal funds and reimburse themselves once estate assets are accessible.
Are BC probate fees the same as estate tax?
BC probate fees are technically called 'estate administration tax' but they are not an income tax or estate tax. They are a court fee for the probate process. Canada does not have a separate estate tax, though the deceased's final tax return may include deemed disposition of capital assets.
How can I reduce the amount I pay in probate fees?
The main ways are: hold assets jointly (they pass outside probate), designate beneficiaries on registered accounts and insurance, use inter vivos trusts, or gift assets during your lifetime. Each strategy has trade-offs. For significant estates, get professional advice before making changes.
Is there a maximum probate fee in BC?
No. There is no cap on BC probate fees. The 1.4% rate applies to all estate value over $50,000 regardless of how large the estate is. A $5 million estate would pay approximately $69,500 in probate fees plus the $200 filing fee.
Do all provinces charge the same probate fees?
No. Probate fee structures vary significantly across Canada. Ontario charges 1.5% on estate value over $50,000. Alberta has a flat fee capped at $525. BC's rates (0.6% then 1.4%) are moderate compared to other provinces.