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Executor Compensation Laws in Maryland

In Maryland, a personal representative is entitled to reasonable compensation, but court-allowed commissions may not exceed 9% of the first $20,000 and $1,800 plus 3.6% of the excess over $20,000, unless the will provides more.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Maryland at a glance

Compensation method
Reasonable compensation, capped by a statutory table
The court allows commissions on a detailed petition. A larger amount set in the will can apply.
Statutory fee schedule
Cap: 9% to $20,000; $1,800 plus 3.6% above
The table is a ceiling, not a fixed fee. Real estate broker commissions are not deducted from the personal representative's commission.
Percentage schedule in statute
Percentage cap

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Maryland

How is an executor paid in Maryland?

Compensation method in Maryland: Reasonable compensation, capped by a statutory table. The court allows commissions on a detailed petition. A larger amount set in the will can apply.

What percentage can an executor charge in Maryland?

Statutory fee schedule in Maryland: Cap: 9% to $20,000; $1,800 plus 3.6% above. The table is a ceiling, not a fixed fee. Real estate broker commissions are not deducted from the personal representative's commission.

Does Maryland law set executor fees by a percentage schedule?

Percentage cap. Percentage schedule in statute in Maryland: percentage cap.

Where do the Maryland executor compensation laws come from?

The rules above come from Md. Code, Est. & Trusts 7-601. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

What this means in practice

A will can usually address executor pay directly, for example by setting a flat fee, a percentage, or stating that the executor serves without pay. Where the will is silent, the state's default rule applies. An executor can also choose to waive compensation, which some family members do because fees are generally taxable income while inheritances generally are not.

Executor compensation is separate from reimbursement of expenses and from fees paid to the estate's attorney, accountant, or other professionals. Keeping a written log of hours, tasks, and costs helps support a fee request and answers questions from heirs or the court.

Heirs and beneficiaries who believe a fee is too high can usually object in the probate proceeding, and courts can reduce, deny, or increase compensation in some circumstances. Rules on timing, court approval, and extraordinary services differ, so the statute for the state where the estate is probated is the starting point.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.