Quick answer: Maryland caps personal representative commissions at 9% of the first $20,000 of property subject to administration, plus 3.6% of everything above that, under Est. & Trusts § 7-601(b)(2). On a $300,000 estate, that ceiling is $11,880. But this is a maximum the Orphans' Court may allow — the personal representative is only entitled to "reasonable compensation," so the actual award can land below the cap. Get your own estimate with the Maryland executor fee calculator.
The two-part table
Est. & Trusts § 7-601(b)(2): "Not over $20,000... 9%; Over $20,000... $1,800 plus 3.6% of the excess over $20,000." Unlike a multi-tier schedule, everything above the first $20,000 collapses into one flat marginal rate — the blended, effective rate simply drifts toward 3.6% as the estate grows, rather than continuing to step down.
A ceiling, not an entitlement
§ 7-601(a)(1), (b)(1): the personal representative is "entitled to reasonable compensation for services," and on petition, the court "may allow the commissions it considers appropriate" — language that gives the court discretion to land below the table, not just at it. The 9%/3.6% figures are the maximum the court may award, not a default percentage.
The will can authorize more
§ 7-601(a)(2): if a will states a compensation amount and the court finds it insufficient, additional compensation is allowed. Separately, § 7-601(b)(1) opens with "unless the will provides a larger measure of compensation" — meaning a generous will provision can displace the statutory ceiling entirely, in either direction the will points.
Attorney fees share a combined ceiling
Est. & Trusts § 7-602(c): attorney compensation uses its own "fair and reasonable" standard, but the court "shall not allow aggregate compensation" (personal representative commission plus attorney fee, combined) exceeding what it finds "fair and reasonable" for the whole administration.
Riddleberger v. Goellen, 263 Md. 44 (1971), draws a line between routine administrative work (subject to this combined cap) and genuinely extraordinary matters, like certain tax-return work, which can be billed separately.
Renunciation has no deadline
Under § 7-601(a)(3), the personal representative may renounce all or part of the commission at any time — there's no "before qualifying" window to worry about the way there is in Arizona, Washington, Indiana, or Missouri.
Worked examples
| Estate value | Commission ceiling |
|---|
| $100,000 | $4,680 |
| $300,000 | $11,880 |
| $500,000 | $19,080 |
| $1,000,000 | $37,080 |
These are statutory maximums, independently verified against Est. & Trusts § 7-601(b)(2). The court sets the actual reasonable amount, which can be lower. Model your own scenario in the calculator.
Facing probate in Maryland?A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.
Talk to a Maryland attorneyEstimate for general guidance only, not legal advice. Based on Est. & Trusts § 7-601 and § 7-602, and Riddleberger v. Goellen, 263 Md. 44 (1971). The statutory table is a ceiling on a discretionary award, not an automatic entitlement. A will authorizing more can displace the ceiling. Attorney fees and the commission are subject to a combined reasonableness cap. Verify with the Register of Wills, the Orphans' Court, or a licensed Maryland attorney.