Wyoming Executor Fees Calculator

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

For Wyoming, this page applies the ordinary fee schedule in W.S. 2-7-803(a): 10% of the first $1,000, 5% of the amount over $1,000 up to $5,000, 3% over $5,000 up to $20,000 and 2% of everything over $20,000, computed on the probate estate accounted for under the basis rules in 2-7-803(c). The court allows that fee unless it is waived in writing, and no fee is paid without a court order (W.S. 2-7-805). It does not include any additional fee for unusual circumstances, extraordinary fees for services such as tax matters or litigation, the attorney's separate fee on the same schedule under W.S. 2-7-804, the $160 filing fee and the inventory value fee, any bond premium, or the newspaper notice.

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 Wyoming?

The statutory schedule in W.S. 2-7-803(a): 10% of the first $1,000, 5% of the amount over $1,000 up to $5,000, 3% over $5,000 up to $20,000 and 2% of everything over $20,000, computed on the probate estate accounted for. For any estate over $20,000 that is $750 plus 2% of the amount over $20,000, so a $300,000 estate gives $100 + $200 + $450 + $5,600 = $6,350. The court shall allow that ordinary fee unless the personal representative files a written waiver of part or all of it.

What counts toward the Wyoming executor fee?

The probate estate the personal representative accounts for, under W.S. 2-7-803(c). Items the personal representative is chargeable with count at inventory value, adjusted for any loss or gain shown by reappraisal or sale. Accretions such as interest, dividends and profits on sales are added, but not borrowed money or refunds. Property lost or destroyed without the personal representative's fault is deducted, and a business run during administration adds its net income, not its gross income. Real property the personal representative is chargeable with counts at inventory value. Assets that pass outside probate, such as joint accounts and payable-on-death accounts, are not part of the basis.

Can a Wyoming executor be paid more than the schedule?

Yes, in two ways. The court may allow an additional fee when unusual circumstances make the computed fee inequitable (W.S. 2-7-803(a)), and further just and reasonable fees for extraordinary services, which include tax matters and litigation involving the decedent or the estate (2-7-803(b)). A request for extraordinary fees has to be itemized in a written, verified application (W.S. 2-7-805).

Are attorney fees separate from the executor fee in Wyoming?

Yes. W.S. 2-7-804 gives the attorney for the estate a separate ordinary fee on the same 10% / 5% / 3% / 2% schedule and the same basis, plus just and reasonable fees for extraordinary services. So a $300,000 estate can carry up to $6,350 to the personal representative and $6,350 to the attorney. The personal representative and the attorney may agree to a lower attorney fee (2-7-804(d)). Both are separate from the court fees: $160 to open the estate and $5 per $10,000 of value when the inventory is filed.

What if the executor is also the lawyer in Wyoming?

Then only one ordinary fee is paid. Under W.S. 2-7-805(c), a person who serves as both personal representative and attorney for the estate, or whose partner or fellow employee in the same professional corporation serves as the attorney, receives no ordinary personal representative fee. Only one total ordinary personal representative fee is allowed per estate, and it is apportioned among co-representatives or successors.

When is a Wyoming executor paid?

Only on court order. W.S. 2-7-805 says no fee is paid to the personal representative or the attorney except on a written, verified application, itemized for expenses and for extraordinary services, and an order of the court. A contingent fee needs a written contract approved by the court before the services begin, except in a wrongful-death recovery, and a contract with an interested party that contravenes the fee statutes is void.

Can a Wyoming personal representative waive the fee?

Yes, in whole or in part, by filing a written waiver (W.S. 2-7-803(a)). A personal representative who is also a main beneficiary often does, because the same money then arrives as an inheritance rather than as taxable income. Put the waiver in writing and file it rather than leaving it as a family understanding.

Is executor compensation taxable in Wyoming?

A fee for serving is taxable income to the person who takes it, while an inheritance is not. Wyoming has no inheritance tax, and its estate tax statute, W.S. 39-19-103, is measured by a federal credit repealed in 2014, so it computes to zero. For a family member who is also a beneficiary, the income-tax difference is often what decides whether taking the fee is worth it. Review the income-tax and estate-accounting effects before taking or waiving the fee.

Is the person in charge called an executor or a personal representative in Wyoming?

Wyoming law uses personal representative for both an executor named in a will and an administrator the court appoints without one, and people still say executor. W.S. 2-7-803 is titled fees of personal representative; schedule. Whichever word the family uses, the same schedule applies and the same district court allows the fee.

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 Wyoming can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.

Wyoming Executor Compensation Calculator

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Ordinary Fee Rule

Extraordinary Services

Tax Consequences

Frequently Asked Questions

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