When a person passes away in British Columbia, their family often has to deal with something called BC probate fees. For a family in BC, an estate worth $500,000 might have to pay thousands of dollars in these fees. This money goes to the government before any of the inheritance goes to the loved ones.
Understanding how these fees work is a very important part of estate planning. This guide will explain what these fees are, how the government calculates them, and how you can protect your family’s future.
What is Probate in British Columbia?
Think of “probate” as a legal “border crossing” for a person’s belongings. When someone dies, they usually leave behind a will. A will is a paper that says who should get their house, money, and cars.
However, banks and the government won’t just take your word for it. They want to be 100% sure the will is real and legal. Probate is the process where a court looks at the will and gives it a “stamp of approval.”
The probate fee is the “toll” or tax that the BC government charges to give that approval. You might wonder, what are probate fees in Canada compared to other places? In BC, there is a specific provincial tax. This process is helpful because it stops people from fighting over the money. It also gives the executor (the person in charge of the will) the legal power to move money around.
How Much Are Probate Fees in BC? (2026 Rules)
The amount of money the government takes depends on how much the person owned when they died. This includes their home, their bank accounts, and even their car. Many people ask, Does Canada have an estate tax? While there is no “death tax” like in the USA, probate fees act as a tax on your total assets.
| Total Estate Value | Basic Fee | Additional Fee |
| Less than $25,000 | $0 | $0 (No fee) |
| $25,000 to $50,000 | $200 | Plus $6 for every $1,000 over $25,000 |
| Over $50,000 | $350 | Plus $14 for every $1,000 over $50,000 |
Real-Life Example
To show how this works, let’s look at a common home in Surrey or New Westminster:
- House Value: $1,000,000
- The Calculation: The first $50,000 costs $350. The remaining $950,000 is charged at $14 per thousand.
- Total Probate Fee: $13,650
This shows why estate planning is so important. By working with Phoenix Knight, you can find legal ways to lower these costs, so your family keeps more of that $13,650.
Who Pays the Fees and When?
Many people worry that the family has to pay these fees out of their own pockets. That is not how it works.
- The Estate Pays: The money comes directly out of the deceased person’s bank accounts.
- The Executor’s Job: The person in charge of the will (the executor) makes sure the fees are paid to the government.
- The Result: Because the government takes its share first, the family gets a smaller inheritance. This is why planning ahead is so important.
How Can You Save Money on Probate Fees?
The good news is that you can plan your finances so that the government takes less money. At Phoenix Knight, we show people how to set up their accounts so they “bypass” or skip the probate process.
Here are the most common ways to do that:
- Naming Beneficiaries: You can tell your bank or insurance company exactly who should get your money (like an RRSP or life insurance) when you die. This money goes straight to that person and does not count toward probate fees.
- Joint Ownership: If two people own a house together as “joint tenants,” the house automatically goes to the survivor when one person dies. Since it moves automatically, it usually doesn’t need probate.
- Giving Gifts: Some people choose to give money to their children while they are still alive. If you don’t own the money when you pass away, the government can’t charge a fee on it.
- Using Trusts: A trust is a special way to hold money so that it is not considered part of your “estate” when you die.
Does Every Estate Have to Go Through Probate?
No! Not every family has to deal with this. There are two main times when you can skip it:
- Small Estates: If the person didn’t own much (usually under $25,000), the court often says you don’t need probate.
- Great Planning: If a person has a joint bank account and a joint house, there might be nothing left for the court to check. Everything moves automatically to the surviving partner.
Why You Need Professional Help
The rules for taxes and wills in BC can be very confusing. They also change sometimes. A small mistake can lead to a big tax bill or a fight in the family.
For more than 20 years, Robin DeRidder and the team at Phoenix Knight Financial Services have helped families in Surrey and the Lower Mainland. We are more than just people who do paperwork. We are your partners. We help with everything from starting a business to making a long-term plan for your family’s money.
We use modern technology to make sure your bookkeeping and estate plans are perfect. This gives you “peace of mind,” which means you don’t have to worry about the future.
Conclusion
Probate fees are a reality in British Columbia, but they don’t have to ruin your family’s inheritance. By learning the rules and planning, you can make sure your hard-earned money stays with the people you love. Whether you are writing your first will or dealing with a loved one’s estate right now, getting the right advice is the best way to protect your legacy.
Want to learn more?
If you want to create a plan that saves your family money and stress, contact Phoenix Knight today. We serve people all over BC, especially in Surrey and New Westminster.
