What Does the Executor of a Will Get Paid?

What expenses can executors be reimbursed for?

An executor is also usually entitled to be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred during estate administration. These reimbursements are separate from executor fees and, unlike compensation, are not considered taxable income.

Common reimbursable expenses include:

• Court filing fees and legal document costs
• Certified copies of death certificates
• Postage, mailing, and shipping costs
• Travel expenses for estate-related business
• Property maintenance, utilities, and insurance premiums
• Professional appraisal fees for estate assets
• Estate attorney and accountant fees

Some expenses may be paid directly from estate accounts, while others—particularly those arising before the estate is opened for probate, such as utility or medical bills—may require the executor to pay upfront and seek reimbursement later. Keeping detailed records and receipts for all expenses is essential, as the probate court may require documentation before approving reimbursements.

Does the executor get paid before the beneficiaries?

Yes, executor fees are typically paid before beneficiaries receive their inheritances. This is because executor compensation is considered an administrative expense of the estate, similar to court costs, attorney fees, and accountant fees.

The general order of estate payments follows a specific priority. First, the estate pays funeral and burial expenses. Next come the costs of administering the estate, which include executor fees. The estate then settles any outstanding debts and taxes owed by the decedent. Only after all of these obligations are satisfied does the remaining estate pass to the beneficiaries.

This payment priority doesn't mean executors take money away from beneficiaries. Rather, the executor fee is a legitimate expense that compensates for the substantial time and effort required to settle the estate properly. Beneficiaries cannot receive their inheritance until all administrative tasks are complete, which is typically when executor fees are finalized and paid. In most cases, executors request their fee as part of the final accounting submitted to the probate court before closing the estate.

What are the benefits of being an executor?

Serving as an executor comes with both financial and non-financial benefits, which are as follows:

• Compensation for your work. Executors typically have a statutory right to receive payment for their time and effort, along with reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred during estate administration.
• Ensuring the decedent’s wishes are honored. You have direct oversight of how assets are managed, protected, and ultimately distributed, helping ensure the estate is handled according to the will.
• Transparency for family members. If you are a family member, serving as executor can provide peace of mind and clarity about how the estate is being administered.
• Control over the administration process. While you must act in the estate’s best interest, you generally have discretion over decisions such as when to sell property, how to manage specific assets, and how to coordinate distributions with beneficiaries.

That said, serving as executor is a significant responsibility. The role requires substantial time, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate complex legal and financial matters. Executors can face personal liability for mismanaging estate assets, and family dynamics sometimes create conflicts during the probate process. Many executors find the experience rewarding despite these challenges, particularly when they're able to honor a loved one's legacy, which is why some choose to serve even when waiving their fee.