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Public Trustee aims to provide the best possible service with charges that are both competitive and reasonable as well as in accordance with the Public Trustee Act and Regulations
When you appoint Public Trustee as executor or co-executor, we will make your Will, and keep it in safe custody free of charge. You can revise or update your will at any time free of charge.
No charges will be incurred until after death when we assume the role and responsibilities of executor.
In administering a deceased estate, Public Trustee assumes full financial and legal responsibilities while assets are under our control, prior to distribution to beneficiaries. Public Trustee charges commission and fees for these professional services.
In administering a personal estate Public Trustee is responsible for managing the financial affairs of our clients from the date of appointment by the Guardianship Board, Supreme Court or Power of Attorney. Public Trustee charges commission and fees for these professional services.
Our charge to administer estates is a commission calculated on the total capital value of the estate, although some exemptions and exclusions may apply.
For any estate with a capital value over $5,000, the capital commission will not be greater than 4.4% (Incl. GST). As an example, an estate with a value of $500,000 will incur a capital commission of 2.64% (incl GST).
| Total estate capital value | Commission on estate (including GST) |
|---|---|
| Less than $5,000 | Flat fees up to a maximum of $220 apply based on total estate capital value. |
| $5,001 - $100,000 | 4.4% of total value (maximum rate) |
| $100,001 - $200,000 | $4,400 plus 3.3 cents per dollar above $100,000 |
| $200,001 - $400,000 | $7,700 plus 2.2 cents per dollar above $200,000 |
| $400,001 and above | $12,100 plus 1.1 cents per dollar above $400,000 |
Income commission of 5.5% (incl GST) is charged on any income received by the estate and collected by Public Trustee.
Income commission of 2.75% (incl GST) is charged on the collection of rents when managed by an external agent, or 8.25% (incl GST) where Public Trustee manages the collection of rents.
There are other expenses involved in the administration of estates including an administration and audit fee and a fee for preparation of a tax return.
There are other fees for specific services that are only required for some estates and are only charged when the service is needed.
In addition to these fees there may be other payments or disbursements from the estate such as legal fees and stamp duty for services provided by third parties.
Competitive rates are charged for taxation returns prepared by our experienced Taxation Services officer. $127 for up to the hour (incl GST) & charged on a pro rata basis for more than one hour.