BC Probate Fees Calculator (2026)
Enter the value of the estate to calculate the probate fee payable to the BC Supreme Court. Fees are set by BC's Probate Fee Act.
Calculate your probate fees
Count only assets that go through the estate. Skip joint-tenancy property and accounts with a named beneficiary.
Only mortgages registered on title are deducted. Credit cards, unsecured loans and taxes are not.
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 Probate Fee Act. They are based on the value of the assets that pass through the estate. Debts are not subtracted, with one exception: a mortgage registered against BC real estate is deducted from that property's value.
| 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
| Estate value | 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 toward the 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, along with a $200 filing fee for estates over $25,000. The fees come out of the estate, although an executor sometimes fronts them and is repaid. The court will not issue the grant 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?
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. A $200 filing fee applies to estates over $25,000.
Are probate fees calculated on gross or net estate value?
Mostly gross. Ordinary debts are not deducted, but a mortgage registered against BC real estate is.
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.