Probate fees · Ontario
Ontario probate fees (2026)
Estate Administration Tax in Ontario: Nothing on the first $50,000, then $15 per $1,000 (1.5%) on the rest. No cap. On a $500,000 estate, the fee is about $6,750. Here is the full schedule, worked examples at common estate sizes, and how Ontario stacks up against every other province and territory.
The Ontario estate administration tax schedule
| Estate value | Fee charged |
|---|---|
| First $50,000 | No tax |
| Over $50,000 | $15 per $1,000 (1.5%) |
What it costs at common estate sizes
| Estate value | Ontario probate fee |
|---|---|
| $250,000 | $3,000 |
| $500,000 | $6,750 |
| $1,000,000 | $14,250 |
| $2,000,000 | $29,250 |
Estate value is rounded up to the nearest $1,000. The first $50,000 has been exempt since the 2020 reform.
Ontario 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 | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $3,054 | $6,054 |
| Saskatchewan | $3,700 | $7,200 |
| British Columbia | $6,650 | $13,650 |
| Ontario (this page) | $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 Ontario?
Ontario’s estate administration tax is nothing on the first $50,000, then $15 per $1,000 (1.5%) on the rest. No cap. On a $500,000 estate that works out to $6,750, and on a $1,000,000 estate $14,250. Try other amounts in the probate fee calculator.
Is there a cap on Ontario probate fees?
No — Ontario’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 Ontario probate fees compare to other provinces?
Ranked by the fee on a $500,000 estate, Ontario is #12 of 13 jurisdictions (cheapest first) — one of the highest probate costs in Canada. 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 Ontario?
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. Ontario’s schedule was verified June 13, 2026 at Ontario.ca — Estate Administration Tax (Estate Administration Tax Act, 1998). 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.