Payment is due to executors or administrators for the time and work they put into closing the estate. However, the amount of these commissions can differ significantly based on state regulations and the estate’s total value.
The role of an executor in New York is crucial to the smooth administration of an estate. Executors are responsible for managing the estate’s assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries according to the terms of the will. As compensation for their time and effort, executors are entitled to receive fees, but the amount they can charge is regulated by New York law.
Determining Executor Fees in New York
In New York, executor fees are governed by Section 2307 of the Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act, which outlines a specific formula for calculating the fees based on the value of the estate. The current fee schedule is as follows:
- 5% of the first $100,000 of the estate
- 4% of the next $200,000
- 3% of the next $700,000
- 2.5% of the next $4 million
- 2% of the next $15 million
- 1% of the value of the estate over $25 million
For estates valued at $10,000 or less, the executor’s fee is capped at $1,000.
It’s important to note that while the fee schedule provides a framework, there may be circumstances that warrant adjusting the fee. For example, if the executor is required to perform extensive work or face difficult challenges in administering the estate, they may be entitled to a higher fee. Conversely, if the executor makes errors or engages in misconduct, their fee may be reduced or denied altogether.
Objecting to Executor Fees in New York
Beneficiaries or interested parties can object to an executor’s fees if they believe they are unreasonable or excessive. Common grounds for objections include:
- Excessive charges: If the executor’s fees are significantly higher than what is customary for estates of similar size and complexity.
- Lack of transparency: If the executor has not provided detailed records justifying the charges.
- Conflicts of interest: If the executor has engaged in self-dealing or other conflicts of interest that have benefited them personally at the expense of the estate.
- Neglect or mismanagement: If the executor has failed to properly manage the estate, resulting in losses or delays in distribution.
In such cases, beneficiaries can file objections with the Surrogate’s Court, which will then review the evidence and determine whether the executor’s fees are justified.
Factors Influencing Executor Fees
Several factors can influence the amount of executor fees in New York, including:
- The size and complexity of the estate: Larger and more complex estates typically require more time and effort to administer, justifying higher fees.
- The responsibilities undertaken: Executors who take on additional responsibilities, such as managing real estate or selling assets, may be entitled to higher fees.
- The time spent: The amount of time the executor dedicates to managing the estate is a significant factor in determining their fees.
- The skill and expertise required: Executors with specialized skills or expertise may command higher fees.
Executor fees in New York are regulated by law, but there is some flexibility in determining the exact amount. Beneficiaries have the right to object to fees they deem unreasonable or excessive. Understanding the factors that influence executor fees and the process for objecting to them can help beneficiaries protect their interests and ensure that the executor is fairly compensated for their services.
For further guidance on executor fees and estate administration in New York, it’s advisable to consult with an experienced probate attorney.
How Much Will I Be Paid for Administering an Estate in New York?
The value of the estate’s assets and income are combined to determine the executor fees. As per the New York Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act 2307, the following fees could be available to administrators:
- Five percent of an estate under $100,000 in total
- 4% of an estate valued at less than $200,000.
- 3 percent of an estate valued at less than $700,000.
- 2. Five percent of an estate under $4,000,000 in total
- 2 percent of an estate valued at less than $5,000,000 in total
Having legal representation is the best way to find out if this has occurred and to obtain a formal accounting of the estate. The official accounting provides comprehensive information about the whereabouts of all the assets and inventory, and it frequently serves as the most crucial piece of evidence in cases where you need to contest an executor’s status and have them removed from their executorship. It is essential that you seek legal counsel right away if you have any questions or feel that the executor has behaved improperly or overpaid themselves.
Beneficiaries should take into account each of these crucial issues as they proceed with the legal matter and hire legal counsel. The amount that executors can be paid depends on the total estate value, according to New York law. Executor fees are determined by the probate estate’s value, as stated in New York Surrogate Court Procedure Section 2307.
Additionally, the executor may be removed from the case and the proceedings may be further delayed if the beneficiary contests the will or claims the executor has engaged in executor theft. Executor fees are calculated at:
Even though some errors may be more complex than others, every estate closing requires very specific steps. States across the nation have recognized this and allowed executors to get paid for the role they perform. In New York, this is determined by the total estate’s value. An executor fee attorney in New York City is frequently questioned about the following:
Your New York executor fee lawyer may be questioned further if more than one executor is chosen to fulfill that function. You will learn from your New York executor fee attorney that this is dependent on the particular services that each executor offers. This may also give rise to additional questions about whether an executor has transgressed any laws or moral standards in handling the assets of the estate.
#307 | How much should you pay your executor/trustee?
FAQ
How are executor fees calculated?
Does the executor of a will get paid in NY?
Do executor fees get reported to IRS?
Who can serve as executor in New York?
How much money can an executor charge?
California, as one example, allows 4% of the first $100,000 of the estate, 3% of the next $100,000, 2% of the next $800,000, and so on. (Cal. Prob. Code § 10800.) For a $1 million estate, this means an executor can charge $23,000. The value of the estate is its gross appraised value—for purposes of calculating the fee, debts are not subtracted.
Do executors pay a fee?
Executors can charge a fee to be reimbursed for most expenses they incur. This can include the cost for any travel needed, to pay for tax prep, to buy any supplies, or for anything else required to settle an estate. Executors can also be reimbursed a fair fee for the job they do as a representative of an estate.
What percentage of an estate does an executor get?
Percentage of the estate. Some states set the executor’s fee as a percentage of the estate’s value. What percent of an estate does an executor get? California, as one example, allows 4% of the first $100,000 of the estate, 3% of the next $100,000, 2% of the next $800,000, and so on. (Cal. Prob. Code § 10800.)