Can I do probate myself if there is Inheritance Tax to pay?

Yes, many executors do. It means completing the IHT400 and its schedules and arranging payment before the grant issues, which takes longer but is still a self-help task in a clear estate.

How much do people typically save?

Against a 2% percentage quote on a £500,000 estate, roughly £11,000 plus VAT. Against a £2,000 fixed fee, roughly £1,650.

Cost · 6 min read

Is DIY probate actually cheaper?

Handling probate yourself saves thousands in most straightforward estates. It is not free, and it is not right for every estate — here is the honest arithmetic.

Written and reviewed by Ramani Gill, Founder & CEO — Solicitor, TEP, BA, LLM. Last reviewed 2026-08-19.

The unavoidable costs, whoever applies

Item	Cost
HMCTS application fee (estate above £5,000)	£526
Sealed copies, say five, ordered with the application	5 × £2
Death certificate copies	£12.50 each in most areas
Estate agent or RICS valuation of the property	£0 – £600

What you are actually paying a professional to do

Write to each bank, pension provider and registrar for date-of-death balances
Compile the asset and liability schedule
Decide whether the estate is excepted or needs a full IHT400
Complete PA1P or PA1A and the statement of truth
Distribute, and prepare estate accounts for the beneficiaries

None of that is legally difficult in a typical estate. It is administrative work that takes patience and a system, which is precisely what a guided platform provides for £349.

Doing this yourself?

Our guided service walks an executor through valuations, the HMCTS forms and the estate accounts for a one-off £349.

Check if I can do probate myself

The real cost of doing it yourself

Time: typically 30 to 60 hours spread across six to twelve months
Chasing: institutions are slow and you will be the one following up
Risk: an error on the Inheritance Tax account is your responsibility, and penalties can follow

When DIY is a false economy

Contested wills, insolvent estates, business or agricultural relief, trusts, foreign assets and beneficiaries who lack capacity all justify professional fees. The saving is not worth the exposure.

GOV.UK — Wills, probate and inheritance

Common questions

Can I do probate myself if there is Inheritance Tax to pay?: Yes, many executors do. It means completing the IHT400 and its schedules and arranging payment before the grant issues, which takes longer but is still a self-help task in a clear estate.
How much do people typically save?: Against a 2% percentage quote on a £500,000 estate, roughly £11,000 plus VAT. Against a £2,000 fixed fee, roughly £1,650.

Not sure whether this estate is straightforward?

The free suitability checker asks about jurisdiction, disputes and complexity, and tells you in a few minutes whether a self-help route is sensible — or whether you should speak to a solicitor. No account needed.

Start the free checker

Where this fits in the probate process

What probate actually costsCourt fee, solicitor quotes and the self-help route compared.

General information only, not legal or tax advice. Last checked 2026-08-19.