When a loved one passes, you and your family may be responsible for planning the funeral service. Once you find a respected and compassionate funeral home to assist with logistics and details, it’s important to create a budget and learn which aspects of these services are tax-deductible. Here’s what you need to know. 

Understanding Tax Deductions for Funeral Services

When are Funeral Expenses Tax-Deductible?

An individual planning another person’s funeral can’t claim funeral services and other death-related expenses as tax deductions. That being said, if the deceased set up an estate, the estate may be able to claim certain deductions. To qualify for funeral-related tax deductions, their estate must be valued at over $11 million. If it’s below this amount, there will be no need to file a tax return.  

What Funeral Services Can You Claim?

Should your loved one have an estate valued at $11 million or more, certain aspects of their funeral can be claimed on the tax returns. These services include hiring a funeral director, cremation or burial expenses, as well as transportation costs for moving the deceased from their place of death to the funeral home or crematorium. Other tax-deductible items include the casket or cremation urn, headstones, and miscellaneous fees related to the funeral service, such as floral arrangements, clergy fees, and catering costs.

It’s important to note that in order to claim these expenses as tax-deductible, they’ll need to be considered both reasonable and necessary in the eyes of the IRS. When you have questions about tax deductions, ask your funeral director for recommendations, as they will have experience in this area.  

Are you looking for a compassionate, savvy, and supportive funeral home that can help you plan a loved one’s funeral service? Abriola Parkview Funeral Home is ready to assist. Since opening in 1906, our family-owned funeral home has helped families throughout Fairfield County, CT, with celebrations of life. To connect with our funeral directors, call us today at (203) 373-1013. For more information on our services and commitment to guiding every client through the process with patience and care, visit our website.