Ontario Probate Fees Calculator 2025
Published January 15, 2025 • 8 min read
Calculate Your Ontario Probate Fees
Total Estate Value (CAD):
Understanding probate fees in Ontario is crucial for estate planning. These fees, officially called "Estate Administration Tax", can significantly impact your estate's value.
How Ontario Probate Fees Work
Ontario probate fees are calculated on a sliding scale based on your estate's total value:
First $50,000:
$0 (No fee)
Amount over $50,000:
$15 per $1,000 (1.5%)
Probate Fee Examples
$100,000 Estate:
($100,000 - $50,000) × 1.5% = $750
$300,000 Estate:
($300,000 - $50,000) × 1.5% = $3,750
$750,000 Estate:
($750,000 - $50,000) × 1.5% = $10,500
$1,500,000 Estate:
($1,500,000 - $50,000) × 1.5% = $21,750
What Assets Are Subject to Probate Fees?
Assets That Require Probate:
- Real estate owned solely by the deceased
- Bank accounts in deceased's name only
- Investment accounts without beneficiaries
- Personal property (cars, jewelry, furniture)
- Business interests
Assets That Bypass Probate:
- Joint bank accounts (with right of survivorship)
- Real estate owned as joint tenants
- RRSPs/RRIFs with named beneficiaries
- Life insurance with named beneficiaries
- Assets held in trust
Strategies to Minimize Probate Fees
1. Joint Ownership
Adding a spouse or child as joint owner can allow assets to pass directly to the survivor without probate.
2. Beneficiary Designations
Name beneficiaries on RRSPs, RRIFs, TFSAs, and life insurance policies to bypass probate entirely.
3. Trust Planning
Establishing trusts can remove assets from your estate, reducing probate fees while maintaining some control.
4. Multiple Wills Strategy
Some assets (like private company shares) may qualify for a separate will that doesn't require probate.
Additional Costs Beyond Probate Fees
While probate fees are significant, they're not the only costs:
- Legal fees: $3,000-$15,000+ depending on complexity
- Accounting fees: $1,500-$5,000 for tax preparation
- Appraisal costs: $500-$2,000 for asset valuations
- Court filing fees: Additional small fees for applications
When Professional Help Makes Sense
Consider professional help if:
- Your estate value exceeds $100,000
- You want to minimize probate fees through planning
- You're dealing with complex assets or family situations
- You're unsure about probate requirements
Need Help Minimizing Probate Costs?
Strategic estate planning can significantly reduce probate fees and protect your family's inheritance. We can connect you with our trusted network of experienced estate lawyers who can help you explore all your options and create a comprehensive plan.
Get Started Here →