Quick answer: There's no statutory percentage in Indiana. Under Ind. Code § 29-1-10-13, a personal representative is entitled to whatever compensation the court "shall deem just and reasonable." In practice, some Indiana courts review requests hourly (older secondary sources cite roughly $15-30/hr), while more recent practice observations describe some counties accepting percentage-based requests around 1.8-2.8% of estate value. Neither is set by law. Get your own illustrative estimate with the Indiana executor fee calculator, which lets you model either approach.
No formula, by design
Ind. Code § 29-1-10-13: when no compensation is provided in the will, or when the personal representative renounces the will's provision, the personal representative "shall be allowed such compensation for his services as the court shall deem just and reasonable." That's the operative rule — no percentage, no schedule, no hourly cap written into the statute.
Two approaches, both used in practice
Indiana courts weigh the skill required, the nature and complexity of the estate, fees customarily charged in similar cases, and the overall size of the estate. Some courts apply this hourly — matching a requested rate against what's typical locally for comparable fiduciary work. Others, in certain counties, have accepted requests expressed as a percentage of estate value instead. Neither method is required by the statute; which one your court leans toward is worth confirming with local counsel or the clerk's office before assuming either applies.
The will's terms control — with a narrow opt-out window
Ind. Code § 29-1-10-13: "If a testator by will makes provision for the compensation of his personal representative, that shall be taken as his full compensation unless he files in the court a written instrument renouncing all claims for the compensation provided by the will before qualifying as personal representative." Once qualified, switching to court-determined compensation instead of the will's stated amount is no longer an option.
Attorney-personal representatives can bill separately
Ind. Code § 29-1-10-13: "Additional compensation may be allowed for his services as attorney and for other services not required of a personal representative." A personal representative who is also a licensed attorney performing genuine legal work for the estate can have that work compensated apart from the standard personal representative fee.
Courts have real discretion, and appellate courts defer to it
Ford v. Peoples Trust & Sav. Bank, 651 N.E.2d 1193 (Ind. Ct. App. 1995); In re Estate of Meguschar, 511 N.E.2d 307 (Ind. Ct. App. 1987): the amount awarded is within the trial court's discretion, and an appellate court won't disturb it absent an abuse of that discretion.
Illustrative examples
| Estate value | ~1.8% | ~2.3% | ~2.8% |
|---|
| $150,000 | $2,700 | $3,450 | $4,200 |
| $350,000 | $6,300 | $8,050 | $9,800 |
| $700,000 | $12,600 | $16,100 | $19,600 |
Illustrative only — not statutory. The calculator also lets you model an hourly estimate instead.
Estimate for general guidance only, not legal advice. Based on Ind. Code ยง 29-1-10-13 and Indiana case law (Ford v. Peoples Trust & Sav. Bank, In re Estate of Meguschar). Indiana sets no statutory percentage or hourly rate; illustrative figures come from secondary sources and informal local practice, not law. A will's own terms control unless renounced in writing before the personal representative qualifies. Verify with the probate court or a licensed Indiana attorney.