BC Probate Fees Calculator (2026)
Enter the gross value of the estate to calculate the probate fees payable to the BC Supreme Court. Fees are based on the current schedule under the Supreme Court Civil Rules.
Calculate your probate fees
Enter the total gross value of estate assets that require probate (before debts)
Note: This is an estimate for educational purposes only. Which assets require probate depends on your specific situation. Consult a BC lawyer or notary to determine the actual probate fees for your estate.
Fee breakdown
BC probate fee schedule
British Columbia's probate fees are set by the Supreme Court Civil Rules and are based on the gross value of the estate — the total value of assets before subtracting debts, mortgages, or other liabilities.
| Estate value | Fee rate |
|---|---|
| First $25,000 | No fee |
| $25,001 to $50,000 | $6 per $1,000 |
| Over $50,000 | $14 per $1,000 |
Example calculations
| Gross estate | Probate fee | Effective rate |
|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $0 | 0% |
| $50,000 | $150 | 0.30% |
| $100,000 | $850 | 0.85% |
| $250,000 | $2,950 | 1.18% |
| $500,000 | $6,450 | 1.29% |
| $750,000 | $9,950 | 1.33% |
| $1,000,000 | $13,450 | 1.35% |
| $2,000,000 | $27,450 | 1.37% |
What counts as "gross estate value"?
Only assets that form part of the estate and require probate are included in the fee calculation:
Included (goes through probate)
- Real property held solely in the deceased's name
- Real property held as tenants in common (the deceased's share)
- Bank accounts in the deceased's name alone
- Investment accounts without named beneficiaries
- Vehicles registered in the deceased's name
- Personal property (furniture, jewelry, collections, etc.)
- Business interests
Excluded (does not require probate)
- Joint tenancy property (passes to the survivor automatically)
- RRSPs and RRIFs with a named beneficiary
- TFSAs with a named successor holder or beneficiary
- Life insurance with a named beneficiary
- Pensions with designated beneficiaries
- Assets held in a trust
How to reduce your probate fees
The most common strategies for reducing probate exposure in BC:
- Name beneficiaries on all RRSPs, TFSAs, and insurance policies
- Hold property in joint tenancy with your spouse
- Review beneficiary designations regularly — especially after divorce or death of a beneficiary
For a detailed look at probate avoidance strategies (including trusts and gifting), see: How to Avoid Probate in BC
When are probate fees paid?
Probate fees are paid when the executor files the probate application with the BC Supreme Court. The fee is paid from the estate — the executor does not pay out of pocket. The court will not process the application until the fee is paid.
For a complete overview of the probate process, see: The BC Probate Process Explained Step by Step
Frequently asked questions
How are probate fees calculated in BC?
Based on gross estate value: no fee on the first $25,000, $6 per $1,000 from $25,001 to $50,000, and $14 per $1,000 on everything over $50,000.
Are probate fees calculated on gross or net estate value?
Gross value — total assets before subtracting debts. You pay fees on the full value of a house even with a large mortgage.
What assets are included in BC probate fee calculations?
Solely-owned property, bank accounts, investments without named beneficiaries, vehicles, and personal property. Joint tenancy, RRSPs/TFSAs with beneficiaries, and life insurance are excluded.
Who pays the probate fees in BC?
The estate pays. The executor uses estate funds when filing the probate application.