Which province has the lowest probate fees?

Manitoba abolished probate fees in 2020, and Alberta caps its fee at a flat $525 for estates over $250,000. Both are far cheaper than percentage-based provinces.

Which province has the highest probate fees?

Ontario (1.5% above $50,000) and British Columbia (up to 1.4% above $50,000) are the highest, and neither caps the charge, so large estates pay the most.

Does Quebec charge probate fees?

A notarial will in Quebec needs no court probate (homologation) and so pays no probate fee. Holograph wills and wills made before witnesses must be homologated, which has a cost.

Is probate tax the same as income tax on death?

No. Probate tax is a provincial fee to obtain the court grant. The estate may separately owe income tax on the deceased's final return, including tax on deemed dispositions of capital property.

Estate Administration Tax and Probate Fees by Province

How much it costs to probate an estate in Canada depends heavily on where you live. Some provinces charge a percentage of the estate's value with no cap, while others charge a low flat fee or have abolished probate fees entirely. This is general information, not legal advice — consult a lawyer in your province.

What is estate administration tax?

Estate administration tax — often called probate fees — is the amount a province charges to issue the court grant that confirms an executor's authority. It is separate from the income tax the estate may owe on the deceased's final return.

Ontario formally calls it 'Estate Administration Tax,' while most other provinces call it a probate fee or probate court fee. Either way, it is usually based on the value of the assets that pass through the will.

Which provinces charge the most?

Ontario and British Columbia are at the higher end. Ontario charges $15 per $1,000 (1.5%) above a $50,000 exemption, with no cap. BC charges up to $14 per $1,000 (1.4%) above $50,000, also with no cap.

Nova Scotia is also relatively high, with a sliding scale that adds roughly $16.95 per $1,000 above its top bracket. In all three, a large estate can owe many thousands of dollars in probate charges.

Which provinces charge the least?

Alberta is the standout: a flat, capped fee with a maximum of $525 for estates over $250,000, no matter how large. Manitoba abolished probate fees entirely in 2020, so there is only a small court application fee.

Quebec also charges no probate fee for a notarial will, because such wills do not require court probate (homologation); only English-form or holograph wills need to be probated there.

How does Quebec differ?

Quebec is a civil-law province with different terminology and procedures. The person who administers an estate is called the liquidateur (not an executor), and court validation of a will is called homologation rather than probate.

A notarial will made before a notary takes effect without homologation, which is one reason notarial wills are popular in Quebec. Holograph wills and wills made before witnesses must be homologated by the court or a notary.

Alberta: flat fee, capped at $525
Manitoba: no probate fees since 2020
Saskatchewan: about $7 per $1,000 (0.7%)
Ontario: $15 per $1,000 (1.5%) above $50,000, no cap
British Columbia: up to $14 per $1,000 (1.4%) above $50,000, no cap
Quebec: no fee for a notarial will (homologation not required)

How can you reduce probate costs?

Because the charge is usually based on the probated estate's value, people in high-fee provinces sometimes use beneficiary designations on registered accounts and insurance, joint ownership with right of survivorship, or multiple wills to keep some assets out of probate.

These tools carry legal and tax risks and can backfire if used carelessly, so get professional advice. A clear, valid will from a service like iFinallyWill is the foundation, and advanced planning can be layered on top with help from a lawyer.

Frequently asked questions

Which province has the lowest probate fees?: Manitoba abolished probate fees in 2020, and Alberta caps its fee at a flat $525 for estates over $250,000. Both are far cheaper than percentage-based provinces.
Which province has the highest probate fees?: Ontario (1.5% above $50,000) and British Columbia (up to 1.4% above $50,000) are the highest, and neither caps the charge, so large estates pay the most.
Does Quebec charge probate fees?: A notarial will in Quebec needs no court probate (homologation) and so pays no probate fee. Holograph wills and wills made before witnesses must be homologated, which has a cost.
Is probate tax the same as income tax on death?: No. Probate tax is a provincial fee to obtain the court grant. The estate may separately owe income tax on the deceased's final return, including tax on deemed dispositions of capital property.