Quick Probate-Fee Calculator for Estates in British Columbia
To use this probate-fee calculator, type in the value of the estate without a dollar sign.
BC Probate Fee Calculator
Estimate probate fees in British Columbia based on the gross estate value.
For a $5,000,000 BC estate, the probate fee is $69,450, based on the BC Probate Fee Act formula.
BC charges no probate fee on estates valued at $25,000 or less. Then BC charges $6 per $1,000 or part over $25,000 to $50,000, then $14 per $1,000 or part over $50,000.
According to the Probate Fee Act:
“If the value of the estate exceeds $25 000, whether disclosed to the court before or after the issue of the grant or before or after the resealing, as the case may be, the amount of fee payable is:
(a)$6 for every $1 000 or part of $1 000 by which the value of the estate exceeds $25 000 but is not more than $50 000, plus
(b)$14 for every $1 000 or part of $1 000 by which the value of the estate exceeds $50 000.”
In other words, you pay $6 for every $1,000 (or portion of $1,000) from $25,000 to $50,000. And you pay $14 for every $1,000 (or portion of $1,000) which is over $50,000.
Table 1: How BC Probate Fees Are Calculated
| Estate Value Range | Probate Fee |
|---|---|
| $0 – $25,000 | No fee |
| $25,001 – $50,000 | $6 per $1,000 (or portion thereof) |
| Over $50,000 | $14 per $1,000 (or portion thereof) on the amount above $50,000, plus the fee from the previous bracket |
Table 2: BC Probate Fee Examples by Estate Size
| Estate Value | Probate Fee |
|---|---|
| $15,000 | $0 |
| $25,000 | $0 |
| $25,200 | $6 |
| $50,000 | $150 |
| $100,000 | $850 |
| $500,000 | $6,450 |
| $1,000,000 | $13,450 |
| $2,000,000 | $27,450 |
| $5,000,000 | $69,450 |
| $10,000,000 | $139,450 |
| $100,000,000 | $1,399,450 |
Table 3 : BC Probate Effective Rates Based on Estate Size
| Estate Value | Probate Fee | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $850 | 0.85% |
| $500,000 | $6,450 | 1.29% |
| $1,000,000 | $13,450 | 1.35% |
| $2,000,000 | $27,450 | 1.37% |
| $5,000,000 | $69,450 | 1.39% |
| $10,000,000 | $139,450 | 1.39% |
| $100,000,000 | $1,399,450 | 1.4%* |
Note: These numbers are correct as of this writing. Probate fees may changes, so always check the BC Probate Fee Act here.
*The effective rate on $100M is rounded from 1.39945% to 1.4%.
FAQ
Does everyone in BC have to pay probate fees?
Not necessarily.
Probate fees only apply when probate is required. Some assets may pass outside the estate, such as jointly owned assets with rights of survivorship or assets with designated beneficiaries.
Can probate fees be reduced in BC?
In some situations, probate fees can be reduced through estate planning.
Common strategies may include joint ownership arrangements, beneficiary designations, trusts, and other planning techniques. However, every strategy has legal, tax, and practical considerations. What works well for one family may create problems for another, so it is important to obtain professional advice before making changes to your estate plan.