Executor Expense Calculator
Work out reimbursable executor expenses when administering an estate — funeral costs, probate fees, mileage, property upkeep and admin costs, all in one place.
Calculate Executor Expenses
Enter the estate value and the costs incurred while administering it to see your total reimbursable executor expenses, what share of the estate they represent, and a category-by-category breakdown.
Expense Calculator
Enter the estate and cost details to see the reimbursable total
The gross value of the estate being administered
Affects whether time-based fees can be charged alongside expenses
Includes the probate court application fee and solicitor costs
Miles travelled on estate business
Standard HMRC rate
Reimbursable Expenses
Based on standard UK executor expense guidance
Common Executor Expense Categories
Typical reimbursable costs executors incur while administering an estate, for quick reference when preparing estate accounts.
| Expense Category | Typical Cost | Reimbursable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funeral Costs | £3,000 – £5,000 | Yes | Paid first, often before probate is granted |
| Probate Court Fee | £273 (estates over £5,000) | Yes | Fixed fee set by the Probate Registry |
| Solicitor / Legal Fees | Varies | Yes | For legal advice or handling the probate application |
| Property Valuation | £150 – £500 | Yes | Needed for probate and inheritance tax purposes |
| Property Maintenance & Insurance | Varies | Yes | Upkeep of estate property until sold or transferred |
| Travel & Mileage | 45p per mile | Yes | Standard HMRC-approved mileage rate |
| Postage, Copies & Admin | £50 – £200 | Yes | Certified copies of the will, postage, phone calls |
| Executor’s Own Time | N/A | Usually No | Lay executors cannot charge unless the will permits it |
Executor Expenses FAQ
Everything you need to know about claiming back executor expenses during estate administration.
An executor can normally claim back reasonable out-of-pocket costs incurred while administering the estate, including funeral costs, probate court fees, property maintenance and insurance, professional valuation fees, travel and mileage, and postage or admin costs. These are reimbursed from the estate before it is distributed to beneficiaries.
A lay executor, such as a family member or friend, generally cannot charge for their own time unless the will specifically allows it. A professional executor, such as a solicitor, can usually charge fees for their time in line with their standard hourly rates, which is separate from reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses.
Most executors use the standard HMRC-approved mileage rate of 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles when claiming travel costs related to estate administration, such as visiting the property, meeting solicitors, or attending valuations.
Genuine administration expenses, such as funeral costs and probate fees, can typically be deducted from the estate’s value before inheritance tax is calculated. However, rules vary by expense type, so executors should keep detailed records and check current HMRC guidance for the specific estate.