Click here to skip all navigation and go straight to the content
“We always act in the best interest of our clients”
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
For a copy of our latest Fees and Charges please click here. (122kb Adobe PDF file. Opens in a new browser window.)
When you appoint Public Trustee as 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 gross capital value of the estate, although some exemptions and exclusions may apply.
For any estate with a gross 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 3.52% (including GST).
| Gross estate capital value | Commission on estate (including GST) |
|---|---|
| $5,001 - $200,000 | 4.4% (maximum rate) |
| $200,001 - $400,000 | $8,800 plus 3.3% for every dollar above $200,000 |
| $400,001 - $600,000 | $15,400 plus 2.2% for every dollar above $400,000 |
| $600,001 and above | $19,800 plus 1.1% for every dollar above $600,000 |
Income commission of 5.5% (including GST) is charged on any income received by the estate and collected by Public Trustee.
Income commission of 2.75% (including GST) is charged on the collection of rents when managed by an external agent, or 8.25% (including 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. $140 for up to the hour (including GST) & charged on a pro rata basis for more than one hour.