Probate fees · New Brunswick
New Brunswick probate fees (2026)
Probate tax in New Brunswick: Small flat fees up to $20,000, then $5 per $1,000 (0.5%) on the whole estate. No cap. On a $500,000 estate, the fee is about $2,500. Here is the full schedule, worked examples at common estate sizes, and how New Brunswick stacks up against every other province and territory.
The New Brunswick probate tax schedule
| Estate value | Fee charged |
|---|---|
| Up to $5,000 | $25 |
| $5,001 – $10,000 | $50 |
| $10,001 – $15,000 | $75 |
| $15,001 – $20,000 | $100 |
| Over $20,000 | $5 per $1,000 of the entire estate (0.5%) |
What it costs at common estate sizes
| Estate value | New Brunswick probate fee |
|---|---|
| $250,000 | $1,250 |
| $500,000 | $2,500 |
| $1,000,000 | $5,000 |
| $2,000,000 | $10,000 |
Once an estate exceeds $20,000 the 0.5% applies to the WHOLE estate, not just the amount above $20,000 — a detail many summaries get wrong.
New Brunswick vs every province (probate fee on $500k and $1M)
| Province / territory | On $500,000 | On $1,000,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Manitoba | $0 | $0 |
| Yukon | $140 | $140 |
| Quebec | $243 | $243 |
| Nunavut | $425 | $425 |
| Northwest Territories | $435 | $435 |
| Alberta | $525 | $525 |
| Prince Edward Island | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| New Brunswick (this page) | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $3,054 | $6,054 |
| Saskatchewan | $3,700 | $7,200 |
| British Columbia | $6,650 | $13,650 |
| Ontario | $6,750 | $14,250 |
| Nova Scotia | $7,782.65 | $16,257.65 |
Cheapest first. Every schedule verified at its governing statute, regulation, or court fee table. BC and Saskatchewan figures include the flat filing fee.
Frequently asked questions
How much are probate fees in New Brunswick?
New Brunswick’s probate tax is small flat fees up to $20,000, then $5 per $1,000 (0.5%) on the whole estate. No cap. On a $500,000 estate that works out to $2,500, and on a $1,000,000 estate $5,000. Try other amounts in the probate fee calculator.
Is there a cap on New Brunswick probate fees?
No — New Brunswick’s fee has no maximum. It keeps rising with the value of the estate, which is why larger estates here can owe thousands.
How do New Brunswick probate fees compare to other provinces?
Ranked by the fee on a $500,000 estate, New Brunswick is #8 of 13 jurisdictions (cheapest first) — in the middle of the pack. The lowest is Manitoba ($0) and the highest is Nova Scotia ($7,782.65). The full table is above this FAQ.
How can I reduce probate fees in New Brunswick?
Assets that pass outside the estate escape the fee: registered accounts and insurance with a named beneficiary (RRSP, RRIF, TFSA, life insurance), and assets held in joint ownership with right of survivorship. Gifting during life and certain trusts also help. Each carries trade-offs — see our estate-planning guide before acting.
Estimate the fee on your estate
Enter any value and province in the calculator, or read how probate fits the bigger estate-planning picture.
Educational information, not legal or tax advice. New Brunswick’s schedule was verified June 13, 2026 at Probate Court Act, s.75.1 & Schedule A (GNB). Probate rules — including what counts as estate property and whether value is measured gross or net of debts — vary by province and change over time. Confirm the figure with the estate’s lawyer or the provincial court before relying on it.