Phase 2 · Wills & Estates · Ontario
Probate Calculator
The Ontario Estate Administration Tax, what most people call "probate fees." The first $50,000 is free. Above that, it’s $15 per $1,000 (or part thereof) of estate value. This tool runs the math exactly the way the Estate Administration Tax Act does.
Fair market value of all property the estate trustee must administer, as of the date of death.
Mortgages or other debts secured against real property in Ontario can be deducted for EAT purposes. Debts secured against out-of-Ontario property cannot.
Ontario Estate Administration Tax
$0payable to the court
—
Estate value$0
Less Ontario real-property encumbrances$0
Less $50,000 exemption$0
Taxable value (rounded up to $1,000)$0
× $15 per $1,000 (1.5%)—
Honest disclaimer
This tool only estimates the Estate Administration Tax. It does not include legal fees, executor compensation (typically ~5% of the estate), accounting fees, asset sale costs, or estate income tax. It also assumes the entire estate passes through probate, in practice, assets held jointly with right of survivorship, assets with a named beneficiary (RRSPs, TFSAs, life insurance), and assets held in a properly-structured trust often pass outside probate and are not counted.
The $50,000 exemption applies to estates where the deceased died on or after January 1, 2020. Nothing here is legal advice and no solicitor-client relationship is formed by using this tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use this probate calculator?
Enter your estimated estate value (real estate, investments, bank accounts, etc.) and this tool calculates Ontario probate fees and estimates total probate costs. Ontario charges 1.5% probate fees on estates exceeding $50,000. The calculator also estimates legal fees and timing. Use this as a rough guide—actual costs depend on estate complexity. Assets passing outside probate (life insurance, RRSPs with beneficiaries, joint property) are not included.
Relevant legislation: Estates Administration Tax Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.21
What assets are included in probate calculations?
Probate includes: real estate (home, investment property), bank accounts, investment accounts (stocks, bonds, mutual funds), business interests, vehicles, and jewelry. Assets NOT in probate (and not taxed): life insurance proceeds (if named beneficiary), RRSPs/RRIFs (if named beneficiary), TFSAs (if named beneficiary), and jointly-owned property (passes directly to co-owner). Significant assets often avoid probate through beneficiary designations. Our calculator shows probate savings if you structure assets to bypass probate.
Relevant legislation: Succession Law Reform Act, S.O. 1990, c. S.26
Why is my probate estimate different from the actual probate fees?
Our calculator provides a rough estimate. Actual probate fees depend on: the exact net estate value (debts reduce value), timing, and whether assets avoid probate. Estate value is calculated as gross estate minus debts (mortgage, loans). Some assets decrease in value between death and probate grant, reducing fees. Legal fees vary by lawyer and complexity. Use our estimate to understand the magnitude; consult a lawyer for exact numbers.
Relevant legislation: Estates Administration Tax Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.21
How can I reduce probate fees using this calculator?
Our calculator shows how naming beneficiaries on RRSPs, life insurance, and TFSAs bypasses probate on those assets, reducing total probate fees. For a $500,000 estate with $250,000 in RRSP and insurance (beneficiary-designated), probate is calculated on only $250,000 ($3,750), not the full $500,000 ($7,500). The calculator illustrates this: adjust assets to see the savings from using beneficiary designations and joint ownership.
Relevant legislation: Estates Administration Tax Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.21
Does this calculator apply to all Canadian provinces?
No, this calculator is specific to Ontario. Probate fees vary dramatically by province: Ontario charges 1.5%, British Columbia uses a sliding scale, Alberta charges nothing, and Quebec uses a different system entirely. If you own property in multiple provinces, consult lawyers in each jurisdiction. Use this calculator for your Ontario estate; for multi-province estates, seek professional guidance.
Relevant legislation: Estates Administration Tax Act (Ontario); various provincial probate laws
Should I use this calculator to plan my estate?
Yes, use our calculator to understand probate impact and explore strategies (beneficiary designations, joint ownership, insurance). However, don't rely solely on estimates—consult an estate lawyer for precise planning. Our calculator doesn't address: income tax on death, CPP survivor benefits, estate disputes, complex assets, or blended family issues. It's a starting point for understanding costs and exploring probate reduction strategies.
Relevant legislation: Estate planning best practices