How the Missouri executor fee actually works
Missouri has a real statutory schedule — but unlike most states, it's explicitly a floor, and it has its own rule for what happens when more than one personal representative serves.
1. The tiered minimum schedule
RSMo § 473.153.1: a sole personal representative is allowed, as minimum compensation, 5% of the first $5,000, 4% of the next $20,000, 3% of the next $75,000, 2¾% of the next $300,000, 2½% of the next $600,000, and 2% of everything over $1,000,000 — applied to personal property administered plus the proceeds of real property sold under court order. Unsold real property is excluded from the base.
2. It's a minimum, not a maximum
§ 473.153.1: "In any case where reasonable compensation to the personal representative is in excess of the minimum provided in the above schedule, the court shall allow such additional compensation as will make the compensation of the personal representative reasonable and adequate. Performance by the personal representative of extraordinary services is not necessary to entitle him to such additional compensation." Missouri doesn't require you to show something out of the ordinary happened — the schedule amount just has to be shown to be too low for the work actually done.
3. Multiple personal representatives: a real statutory cap
§ 473.153.2: when two or more joint or successor personal representatives serve, they're allowed, in the aggregate, reasonable compensation not exceeding the lesser of (a) twice the single-representative statutory minimum, or (b) 5% of the value of the personal property administered and real property sale proceeds — unless real property was taken into possession under court order but not sold, or extraordinary services were performed, in which case this cap doesn't apply at all. Within whatever total is allowed, the court apportions it among the personal representatives "according to the services actually rendered by each, or as they may agree."
4. The will can set its own terms
§ 473.153.1: if the will specifies compensation, that controls as full compensation — unless the personal representative files a written instrument renouncing it before qualifying, in which case the statutory schedule applies instead.
5. Interim payments and misconduct
Compensation can be allowed at final settlement, or as partial compensation on application at any time during administration. If the court finds the personal representative failed to discharge their duties in any respect, it may deny compensation entirely or reduce it.
| Tier | Rate |
|---|---|
| First $5,000 | 5% |
| Next $20,000 | 4% |
| Next $75,000 | 3% |
| Next $300,000 | 2¾% |
| Next $600,000 | 2½% |
| Over $1,000,000 | 2% |