How Much Are Probate Fees in Ontario? 2026 Calculator & Examples

Ontario has some of the highest probate fees in Canada, and they catch many families off guard during an already difficult time. Officially called the Estate Administration Tax, these fees are calculated on the total value of assets that pass through the deceased's will. For a typical GTA homeowner with a $1 million estate, the probate bill is $14,250. For a $2 million estate, it jumps to $29,250. But with proper planning, many families can reduce these fees by 50% or more. Here is exactly how the calculation works and what you can do about it.

2026 Ontario Probate Fee Structure

The Estate Administration Tax rates have been in effect since January 1, 2020 and remain unchanged for 2026. The calculation uses two tiers:

Probate Fee Calculator: 8 Estate Value Examples

Here are probate fee calculations for eight common estate values across the GTA, from a modest estate to a high-net-worth situation:

What Counts as the "Estate Value" for Probate?

Not all assets are subject to probate. Understanding which assets are included and excluded is the key to reducing your probate fee.

Assets Subject to Probate

Assets That Bypass Probate

The Estate Information Return: What You Need to Know

Since 2015, Ontario has required executors to file an Estate Information Return (EIR) with the Ministry of Finance. This requirement significantly changed estate administration and increased scrutiny of estate valuations.

5 Strategies to Reduce Ontario Probate Fees

1. Maximize Beneficiary Designations

The simplest and most effective strategy is naming beneficiaries on all eligible accounts. RRSPs, RRIFs, TFSAs, life insurance, and pension plans all allow direct beneficiary designations. For a couple with $400,000 in registered accounts and $500,000 in life insurance, proper beneficiary designations remove $900,000 from the probate calculation, saving $13,500 in fees.

2. Joint Ownership With Right of Survivorship

Property held in joint tenancy with right of survivorship passes directly to the surviving owner, bypassing probate. This is most commonly used for the matrimonial home and joint bank accounts. However, adding children as joint owners carries significant risks including exposure to their creditors, potential capital gains tax, and loss of the principal residence exemption on their portion.

3. Multiple Wills Strategy

For business owners, the multiple wills strategy can save significant probate fees. Your primary will covers assets requiring a Certificate of Appointment (real estate, public securities, bank accounts), while your secondary will covers assets that can be transferred without probate (private company shares, personal effects, shareholder loans). Only the primary will is probated, excluding the secondary will assets from the fee calculation.

4. Alter Ego and Joint Partner Trusts

If you are 65 or older, you can transfer assets to an alter ego trust (for individuals) or joint partner trust (for couples). Assets in these trusts are not included in your estate for probate purposes. You maintain full control during your lifetime, and the transfer is tax-neutral. For high-net-worth individuals, the one-time legal cost of establishing the trust is quickly offset by probate savings.

5. Strategic Lifetime Gifting

Gifts made during your lifetime reduce your estate and therefore reduce probate fees. However, gifting must be done carefully to avoid attribution rules, capital gains triggers, and potential challenges from other beneficiaries. Cash gifts are simplest. Gifting appreciated property can trigger immediate capital gains tax. Always consult a tax professional before implementing a gifting strategy.

For a comprehensive guide on probate avoidance strategies, read our detailed How to Avoid Probate in Ontario 2026 guide. You can also explore our interactive probate fee planning tool for personalized calculations based on your estate composition.