⚖️ West Bengal Court Fee Calculator
⚠️ Slab rates are approximate (source PDF has OCR limitations). Maximum cap: Rs. 50,000. Verify lower-slab rates (especially Rs. 100–500) against physical copy or Calcutta HC Bar Library practice manual before relying on calculated amounts.
Calculate Court Fee — West Bengal
Probate Court Fee in West Bengal — Letters of Administration
Probate and letters of administration fees in West Bengal are calculated under Schedule I, Article 6 of the West Bengal Court-Fees Act, 1970 (WB Act X of 1970) and Chapter 6 (Sections 52–62). Unlike money suits where the fee is cumulative-progressive, probate uses a bracket system — the applicable rate applies to the entire net estate value, not just the excess in each bracket.
How is the court fee calculated?
- Prepare a valuation of the estate in the Form set out in Part I of Schedule III (Annexure A: all assets; Annexure B: allowable deductions).
- Allowable deductions: outstanding debts of the deceased, funeral expenses, mortgage encumbrances on the estate property.
- Net estate value = Total assets − Allowable deductions.
- Apply the applicable bracket rate: up to ₹1,000 = nil; ₹1,001–₹5,000 = 2%; ₹5,001–₹50,000 = 3%; ₹50,001–₹1,00,000 = 4%; above ₹1,00,000 = 5%. The rate applies to the total net value.
Key points advocates must know
- If application is made within 1 year of death: fee is on market value as of date of death. After 1 year: fee is on market value as of the date of application.
- The Court sends a copy of the valuation to the Collector, who may verify and challenge the valuation. The Collector has 6 months from inventory exhibition to raise objections.
- Probate jurisdiction: for estates including immovable property in multiple districts, file in the district where the largest portion of the estate is situated.
- Undervaluation of estate is a serious matter — the Collector can proceed under Section 56(3), and five times penalty can apply for non-bona-fide undervaluation.
Frequently asked questions
Is the probate court fee on gross estate or net estate? ▼
Can probate be obtained before the full court fee is paid? ▼
⚖️ Source: West Bengal Court-Fees Act, 1970 (WB Act X of 1970) · Verified March 2026 · Report incorrect rate