Quick answer: South Carolina's probate court filing fee is tiered by the gross value of the probate estate under S.C. Code § 8-21-770(B), and it's uniform across all 46 counties. It ranges from $25 for a tiny estate to $845 + 0.25% of the value over $600,000 for larger ones. A $500,000 estate pays about $695.
The § 8-21-770 fee schedule
The fee is assessed on the gross value of the probate estate shown on the inventory and appraisement — only probate assets count (life insurance to a named beneficiary, jointly held accounts, and trust assets are excluded):
| Gross probate estate | Filing fee |
|---|---|
| $0 – $4,999 | $25.00 |
| $5,000 – $19,999 | $45.00 |
| $20,000 – $59,999 | $67.50 |
| $60,000 – $99,999 | $95.00 |
| $100,000 – $599,999 | $95.00 + 0.15% of the excess over $100,000 |
| $600,000 and above | $845.00 + 0.25% of the excess over $600,000 |
Per S.C. Code § 8-21-770(B). Worked examples: a $250,000 estate is $95 + 0.15% of $150,000 = $320; a $750,000 estate is $845 + 0.25% of $150,000 = $1,220.
Other court-related costs
- Notice to creditors — published once a week for three weeks (S.C. Code § 62-3-801); the newspaper sets the price, ~$85–$150+ by county.
- Certified copies — $5 each, plus $0.50 per page.
- Bond premium — if a bond is required (not waived); a fraction of a percent per year.
- Small estate affidavit — the $45,000 route uses a lower tiered fee (e.g. $67.50 for $20,000–$45,000) instead of full administration.
Where the fee sits in the total
The filing fee is modest next to the 5% PR commission (when taken) and the attorney fee. And South Carolina has no estate or inheritance tax. See the whole picture in the South Carolina probate cost breakdown, learn about attorney fees, or estimate your total with the South Carolina probate cost calculator.