Probate Fee Calculator (Canada)

What is probate and the estate administration tax?

Probate is the court process that confirms a will is valid and gives the executor legal authority to deal with the estate. Most provinces charge a fee for this, often called a probate fee, a probate tax, or in Ontario the estate administration tax. The fee is usually based on the value of the estate that passes through probate, so a larger estate generally means a larger fee.

Probate fees vary a lot by province

There is no national probate fee in Canada. Each province and territory sets its own rate, so the same estate can cost very different amounts depending on where the deceased lived.

• Ontario: nothing on the first $50,000, then $15 per $1,000 (1.5%) on the rest.
• British Columbia: nothing under $25,000, $6 per $1,000 from $25,000 to $50,000, then $14 per $1,000 above that, plus a court filing fee.
• Alberta: a flat graduated fee that is capped at $525, no matter how large the estate.
• Saskatchewan: $7 per $1,000 (0.7%), plus a filing fee.
• Manitoba: probate fees were abolished in November 2020, so the value-based fee is now $0.
• Quebec: no value-based fee. A notarial will needs no verification; other wills pay a low flat court fee.
• Nova Scotia: graduated fees that reach about $16.95 per $1,000 above $100,000.
• New Brunswick: $5 per $1,000 (0.5%) for larger estates.
• Newfoundland and Labrador: roughly $0.60 per $100 (0.6%) above a small base.
• Prince Edward Island: graduated bands, then $4 per $1,000 (0.4%) above $100,000.

How a clear will helps

Probate is usually faster and cheaper when the will is valid, up to date and easy to follow. Naming an executor, listing assets clearly and keeping the will accessible all reduce the time the court and your executor spend on the estate. A vague or missing will can mean extra court applications, delays and legal cost.

Learn more

• How to write a will
• What happens if you die without a will
• Notarial wills in Quebec
• Ontario: Estate Administration Tax (ontario.ca)
• British Columbia: probate (gov.bc.ca)