End-of-life planning conversations can be scary and uncomfortable. Yet the alternative is leaving loved ones high and dry when it comes to understanding your last wishes and being able to pay to give you a proper send-off.
With so much money going toward funeral expenses, you may wonder if loved ones will be able to recoup any of the money via tax deductions as an individual or estate. While generally, funeral expenses are not tax-deductible, there may be some instances where the cost of a funeral can lower the overall taxable estate for estate tax purposes.
In this article, we’ll explore if and when funeral expenses are tax-deductible and the best ways to help loved ones cover end-of-life costs.
Who can deduct funeral expenses?
Per the IRS, most individuals can’t deduct funeral expenses. That means the cost of necessities like the casket, urn, facility rental, etc., don’t offer a tax benefit. Loved ones will need sufficient funds to pay these costs outright without getting any reprieve at tax time.
However, medical and funeral costs may be deductible when calculating the taxable estate for federal estate tax purposes.
For large estates subject to the federal estate tax, deducting the cost of funeral expenses could help save money on the taxes owed. It’s best to seek the professional guidance of a tax attorney or qualified financial professional during estate planning or after someone’s passing if you think expenses may be eligible for deduction.
How can an estate claim tax deductions for funeral expenses?
The process for claiming tax deductions looks different for an estate than an individual. Separate forms need to be used to calculate the estate’s overall tax liability. And the funeral expense deduction only applies to estates over the federal estate tax exemption limit, which is $12,920,000 for those who pass away in the tax year 2023.
A tax or financial professional specializing in estates is the best resource to determine which tax deductions are eligible for an estate and whether or not the funeral expense deduction is among them.
How can you pay for funeral costs?
Although funeral costs are not tax-deductible for the everyday taxpayer, there are ways to cover funeral costs so you won’t leave the financial burden of your send-off to loved ones.
Use a final expense life insurance policy
Final expense life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance with lower coverage amounts than traditional life insurance policies. Most final expense coverage is for $40,000 or less, meaning it’s an ideal size to cover funeral and burial costs, small debts, and other end-of-life expenses.
For loved ones, the major benefit of a final expense life insurance policy is that it provides a tax-free death benefit. That means they’ll receive the money quickly and can use it to cover financial needs without needing to settle the estate or deal with the probate process.
Because the coverage amounts for final expense policies are low, they’re generally affordable. Plus, the limited medical requirements mean that even those with a history of medical issues may qualify. Final expense policies are intended for older adults, so if you’re between 50 and 85 and want the peace of mind of having your end-of-life expenses covered, a licensed insurance agent can help you find the right policy at a price you can afford.
Set aside savings in cash
The cost of virtually everything continues to rise, and funerals are no exception. The average cost of a funeral is almost $10,000, depending on the options you choose.
While some people who are still working may be able to save that amount in a few years, many older adults are living on a fixed income. Without ample money coming in each month, saving enough cash to cover a funeral can be challenging.
Consider a prepaid funeral
Prepaid funerals are another option that’s similar to final expense insurance. However, the major difference is that instead of identifying a beneficiary for the policy, the prepaid funeral plan is set up directly with a funeral home, and the funeral home receives the proceeds.
If you know which funeral home you want to perform your burial at and are confident they’ll be around in the years to come, a prepaid option may be worth considering. But if you aren’t sure what kind of service you’d prefer or where, final expense life insurance can provide loved ones with greater flexibility.
Your family could use the life insurance benefit to cover medical costs or other end-of-life expenses if you end up wanting a simpler service. If you had set up a prepaid funeral plan, the money goes to the funeral home, regardless of your or your family’s changing wishes.
Find a final expense policy to help loved ones cover funeral expenses
The cost of funerals will likely continue to rise, but there are ways to support loved ones by covering the cost. Speaking with a licensed insurance agent is a smart way to understand available options and find the right one based on your unique needs and budget.
