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Kentucky Executor Compensation Calculator

Kentucky sets a statutory ceiling rather than a graduated schedule: compensation shall not exceed 5% of the value of the personal estate plus 5% of the income the fiduciary collects (KRS 395.150), and the District Court reviews the amount on settlement.

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What the Calculator Uses in KentuckyThe method behind the estimate, and what it leaves out

For Kentucky, this page reflects the KRS 395.150 statutory ceiling: up to 5% of the value of the personal estate plus up to 5% of the income collected. It shows the ceiling, not a guaranteed fee, because the District Court sets the actual amount on settlement and reviews any extraordinary-services request separately. It does not include the estate attorney's reasonable fee.

The estimate is a starting point, not a guaranteed fee. Courts can still review the work performed, the estate documents, and whether the representative is seeking compensation for services beyond the ordinary baseline.

What affects the feeOrdinary rules, extraordinary services, and tax consequences

Ordinary Fee Rule

The estimate begins with the state-specific ordinary compensation method, not a one-size-fits-all national formula.

Extraordinary Services

Sales of real property, business management, litigation, tax work, and unusual court proceedings can justify additional compensation in some estates.

Tax Consequences

Executor compensation is usually treated differently from the inheritance itself, which is why many fiduciaries consider whether waiving the fee creates a better tax result.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an executor get paid in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, KRS 395.150 provides that compensation shall not exceed 5% of the value of the personal estate plus 5% of the income the fiduciary collects. Those are ceilings, not automatic commissions, and the District Court approves the amount on settlement. The 5% caps attach to the personal estate, not to real property, so a fee tied to real estate is handled through the extraordinary-services allowance.
Can a personal representative be paid more than 5% in Kentucky?
Only for extraordinary work. Under KRS 395.150(2), the court may allow additional fair and reasonable compensation for services that were unusual or extraordinary and not normally incident to administering an estate, or that were performed in connection with real estate or with estate and inheritance taxes on property outside the estate. The base compensation still cannot exceed the 5% plus 5% ceiling.
Is the attorney fee separate in Kentucky?
Yes. The 5% ceiling in KRS 395.150 applies to the personal representative's own compensation, not to the estate attorney. Kentucky sets no statutory percentage for attorney fees; an attorney is paid a reasonable fee from the estate, reviewable by the District Court on settlement.
Is executor compensation taxable in Kentucky?
Executor compensation is usually taxable income, separate from an inheritance. Review the income-tax and estate-accounting effects before taking or waiving a fee.
Can a personal representative waive their fee in Kentucky?
A personal representative can choose to waive compensation. That choice should be documented because it can affect income tax, estate accounting, and beneficiary expectations, especially when the representative is also a beneficiary.
Official Sources and Further ReadingOfficial references used for this page

Information current as of May 31, 2026

Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in Kentucky can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.

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