Probate fees estimator: court fee and rough inheritance tax

Quick answer

Enter the estate value to see the 2026 probate court fee (£526 for estates over £5,000), the applicable tax-free allowance (£325,000 nil-rate band, plus £175,000 residence band if a home passes to children), and a simplified inheritance tax estimate at 40% above the allowance. Figures are indicative, not tax advice.

How do you estimate probate fees?

Estimated total estate value (£)

Everything passes to a surviving spouse or civil partnerA home is being left to children or grandchildren

Indicative only — not tax advice. Ignores debts, lifetime gifts, transferable allowances from a predeceased spouse (which can double allowances to £1m), charity exemptions, and reliefs. Full guide: probate costs.

How are the probate fee numbers built?

The court fee is simple: £526 once, if the estate exceeds £5,000. The tax side stacks two allowances — the nil-rate band (£325,000, frozen since 2009 and until at least 2030) and, where a home passes to direct descendants, the residence nil-rate band (£175,000, tapering away above £2m estates) — then charges 40% on the excess. Transfers to a spouse or civil partner are exempt outright.

When is the probate fees estimator not enough?

If the result shows tax due, or the estate includes a business, farm, trusts or foreign assets, stop estimating and take advice — IHT400 estates are where professional fees pay for themselves. Everything else — the admin, the application, the accounts — is covered step by step in probate costs and the executor checklist.

Which related guide should you read next?

Probate checker — Answer two or three questions on property, joint assets and savings to see whether an estate is likely to need probate.
Do I need probate? — Joint assets usually pass automatically. Sole-name property almost always needs a grant. Bank thresholds vary widely.
How long does probate take? — The grant typically takes 4–12 weeks after a digital application. Full administration is usually 6–12 months.
Probate costs UK — Court fee £526 for estates over £5,000 (from 13 July 2026) plus £1.50 copies. DIY vs solicitor cost ranges.

Frequently asked questions

How accurate is the inheritance tax estimate?

It's a deliberate simplification for planning purposes. It applies the £325,000 nil-rate band and the £175,000 residence band (tapered above £2m), but ignores transferable allowances from a predeceased spouse (which can double the allowance to £1m for couples), debts, lifetime gifts within 7 years, charity exemptions, and business/agricultural reliefs. For a real figure, complete the HMRC forms or take advice.

Is the £526 court fee per estate or per asset?

Per estate, once — however many banks, properties and accounts are involved. It was raised from £300 on 13 July 2026. Estates of £5,000 or less pay no court fee at all. Extra sealed copies of the grant are £1.50 each.

What isn't included in this estimate?

Professional fees (solicitor, accountant, valuers, conveyancing), statutory creditor notices (~£90–£110), death certificates (£12.50 each), and ongoing property costs while the estate is administered. A DIY straightforward estate typically totals £600–£800 beyond any tax owed.

Why does ticking 'everything to my spouse' zero the tax?

Transfers between UK-domiciled spouses and civil partners are fully exempt from inheritance tax, regardless of amount. The nil-rate bands then typically pass unused to the survivor, whose estate can claim up to £1m of combined allowances on the second death.

The estimate shows a big tax bill — what can I do?

Talk to an estate-planning solicitor or independent financial adviser before doing anything. Legitimate mitigations exist (lifetime gifting rules, trusts, charity giving at the 10%/36% rate, pensions) — but they need proper advice. Honest flag: this is exactly the situation our suitability check would send to a professional.

Most families pay no inheritance tax at all

Whatever the number, a clear will is what makes the admin painless. Make yours in about 15 minutes — £35 once, free updates for life.

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