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Executor Compensation Laws in Missouri

In Missouri, a sole personal representative receives a minimum fee on a sliding scale from 5% of the first $5,000 down to 2% over $1,000,000, and the court allows more when reasonable compensation exceeds that minimum.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Missouri at a glance

Compensation method
Statutory minimum schedule plus reasonable extra
A fee set in the will controls unless renounced before qualifying. Extra pay does not require extraordinary services.
Statutory fee schedule
5% to 2% sliding scale (minimum)
5% first $5,000; 4% next $20,000; 3% next $75,000; 2.75% next $300,000; 2.5% next $600,000; 2% over $1,000,000, on personal property and real estate sold under court order.
Percentage schedule in statute
Yes

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Missouri

How is an executor paid in Missouri?

Compensation method in Missouri: Statutory minimum schedule plus reasonable extra. A fee set in the will controls unless renounced before qualifying. Extra pay does not require extraordinary services.

What percentage can an executor charge in Missouri?

Statutory fee schedule in Missouri: 5% to 2% sliding scale (minimum). 5% first $5,000; 4% next $20,000; 3% next $75,000; 2.75% next $300,000; 2.5% next $600,000; 2% over $1,000,000, on personal property and real estate sold under court order.

Does Missouri law set executor fees by a percentage schedule?

Yes. Percentage schedule in statute in Missouri: yes.

Where do the Missouri executor compensation laws come from?

The rules above come from Mo. Rev. Stat. 473.153. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

Good to know

Two or more personal representatives share reasonable compensation, generally capped at the lesser of twice the schedule or 5%, apportioned by the court.

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.