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Louisiana Executor Fee Calculator

Estimate succession representative compensation under La. C.C.P. § 3351 — a real default commission of 2.5% of the inventory, one of the few states left with a genuine statutory percentage.

Based on La. C.C.P. § 3351 FigureMyTax Editorial Team Free · no sign-up

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Your Louisiana succession

Enter the inventory value — the estimate updates instantly, based on the 2.5% default commission.

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Louisiana succession representative fee
$0
— 2.5% default commission
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How the Louisiana executor fee actually works

Louisiana calls the role a succession representative — an executor if named in a will, an administrator if not. Both are governed by the same compensation rule.

1. A three-tier hierarchy, not a flat rule

La. C.C.P. § 3351: "An executor shall be allowed as compensation for his services such reasonable amount as is provided in the testament... An administrator... shall be allowed such reasonable amount as is provided by the agreement between the administrator and the surviving spouse, and all competent heirs or legatees... In the absence of a provision in the testament or an agreement between the parties, the administrator or executor shall be allowed a sum equal to two and one-half percent of the amount of the inventory."

In practice, that means: (1) the will's own figure controls for an executor; (2) absent that, an administrator can agree on an amount with the surviving spouse and all competent heirs/legatees; (3) only if neither exists does the 2.5% default apply.

2. The court can increase it

§ 3351: "The court may increase the compensation upon a proper showing that the usual commission is inadequate." A provisional administrator, or the administrator of a vacant succession, is instead allowed "fair and reasonable compensation" set directly by the court — not the 2.5% default.

3. When it's paid

Compensation becomes due when the court homologates — formally approves — the succession representative's final account, effectively at the close of the succession. The court may authorize an advance on compensation at any time during the administration.

4. Court oversight can still reduce it

A Louisiana court can reduce or deny compensation where the representative mismanaged the succession, acted imprudently, or took unauthorized payments — the 2.5% default is not a guaranteed payout regardless of performance.

Louisiana executor fee — frequently asked questions

How much does an executor get paid in New Orleans or Baton Rouge?

The § 3351 default of 2.5% of the inventory applies statewide, including Orleans and East Baton Rouge parishes. There's no parish-specific rate.

Is Louisiana's succession representative fee mandatory?

It's a default, not a mandatory floor. The will's own provision controls first for an executor; an agreement with heirs controls for an administrator. Only when neither exists does the 2.5% default apply, and the court can increase it on a proper showing that 2.5% is inadequate.

Why does Louisiana use a real percentage when most states don't?

Louisiana's succession law descends from French and Spanish civil codes rather than the Uniform Probate Code most other states adopted. Its compensation rule kept a genuine statutory default percentage, closer to the older percentage-schedule states than to the bare "reasonable compensation" standard common elsewhere.

Can the court reduce a Louisiana succession representative's fee?

Yes. A court can reduce or deny compensation if the representative mismanaged the succession, acted imprudently, or took unauthorized payments — the 2.5% default isn't a guaranteed payout regardless of performance.

Is the Louisiana executor fee taxable?

Yes — compensation is taxable income under federal law regardless of state. See our guide to how it's taxed, and when to waive it for the IRS rules on self-employment tax and reporting.

Louisiana executor fee guides

Louisiana Executor Fee: How Much Is It?The 2.5% default explained Louisiana Executor Fee: Taxable? Can You Waive It?IRS rules + waiver Louisiana Co-Executors: How Is the Fee Split?Multiple representatives Louisiana Succession Cost CalculatorThe full cost picture

This calculator provides an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Figures are based on Louisiana statute (La. C.C.P. § 3351), which sets a 2.5% default commission unless the will or an heir agreement provides a different amount. Confirm current figures with the parish district court or a licensed Louisiana attorney before acting.