Wills & Estates · Ontario
Probate Fee Calculator
The Ontario Estate Administration Tax — what most people call "probate fees." The first $50,000 is free. Above that, it's $15 per $1,000 (or part thereof) of estate value. This tool runs the math exactly the way the Estate Administration Tax Act does.
Fair market value of all property the estate trustee must administer, as of the date of death.
Mortgages or other debts secured against real property in Ontario can be deducted for EAT purposes. Debts secured against out-of-Ontario property cannot.
Ontario Estate Administration Tax
$0payable to the court
—
Estate value$0
Less Ontario real-property encumbrances$0
Less $50,000 exemption$0
Taxable value (rounded up to $1,000)$0
× $15 per $1,000 (1.5%)—
Honest disclaimer
This tool only estimates the Estate Administration Tax. It does not include legal fees, executor compensation (typically ~5% of the estate), accounting fees, asset sale costs, or estate income tax. It also assumes the entire estate passes through probate — in practice, assets held jointly with right of survivorship, assets with a named beneficiary (RRSPs, TFSAs, life insurance), and assets held in a properly-structured trust often pass outside probate and are not counted.
The $50,000 exemption applies to estates where the deceased died on or after January 1, 2020. Nothing here is legal advice and no solicitor-client relationship is formed by using this tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Ontario probate fees work?
Ontario charges probate fees (called "Estate Administration Tax") at 1.5% of the net estate value on estates exceeding $50,000. For a $500,000 estate, fees are approximately $7,500 (0% on first $50,000, then 1.5% on remaining $450,000). However, $50,000 in assets always passes probate-free. Probate fees apply only to assets in your will; assets with named beneficiaries (RRSPs, life insurance, joint property) avoid probate entirely. Strategic planning can significantly reduce probate fees.
Relevant legislation: Estates Administration Tax Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.21
What is the difference between probate and estate administration costs?
Probate fees are the government tax (1.5% in Ontario). Estate administration costs are: legal fees (executor representation), accounting fees (tax returns), court filing fees, and miscellaneous expenses. Total probate and administration on a $500,000 Ontario estate typically runs $12,000-$18,000 (probate fees $7,500 + lawyer $3,000-$5,000 + accounting $1,500-$3,000). Our calculator estimates both components.
Relevant legislation: Estates Administration Tax Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.21
Can I reduce Ontario probate fees by owning property jointly?
Yes. Jointly-owned property (e.g., home with spouse or child) passes directly to the co-owner at your death, avoiding probate and the 1.5% fee. However, risks exist: loss of control, unequal distribution to other heirs, and potential family conflict. For a $500,000 home owned jointly with spouse, probate fees are $0 (property avoids probate), versus $7,500 if owned solely. Consult an estate lawyer about whether joint ownership fits your situation.
Relevant legislation: Estates Administration Tax Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.21
What is the best strategy to reduce Ontario probate fees?
Name beneficiaries on all retirement and insurance accounts (RRSPs, RRIFs, TFSAs, life insurance, pension plans). These pass directly to beneficiaries, avoiding probate entirely—often saving 1.5% in fees. For a $200,000 RRSP with named beneficiary, you save $3,000 in probate fees ($200,000 x 1.5%). Use joint ownership carefully (home with spouse) for probate avoidance. Create an inter-vivos trust for major assets if you want probate-free transfer plus tax planning. Consult a lawyer; combinations of strategies often work best.
Relevant legislation: Estates Administration Tax Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.21
What if my estate is worth less than $50,000?
Estates under $50,000 pay no probate fees in Ontario. The first $50,000 of all estates is free; probate applies only to amounts above $50,000. This is a significant benefit for modest estates. However, small estates may still require probate (court approval and letters of administration) for asset transfer—a lawyer can advise if simplified probate procedures apply.
Relevant legislation: Estates Administration Tax Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.21
Should I use this calculator or consult a lawyer?
Use this calculator to understand probate impact and estimate costs. For actual planning and strategy, consult an estate lawyer. A lawyer can identify assets avoiding probate, structure your estate for tax efficiency, draft documents, and address family situations. The consultation ($300-$800) is far cheaper than the probate fees saved (potentially $5,000+). Many people find lawyer consultation worthwhile after understanding probate cost through a calculator like this.
Relevant legislation: Law Society of Ontario
