Can you claim funeral expenses on your taxes

Funeral expenses are not tax deductible because they are not qualified medical expenses. Qualified medical expenses include:. To claim medical expenses on your tax return you must itemize your tax return. If you itemize, you will not be allowed to take the standard deduction. You will need to calculate both methods to determine which gives you a lower tax. If your itemized deductions are greater than your standard deduction, then you should complete Form , Schedule A.

Any expenses directly related to the burial and memorial service can be deducted as long as they are directly and reasonably related to the homegoing ceremony. For example:. Certain states require estate taxes, even in scenarios when they are exempt from the federal estate tax. These states include:.

Accessed July 18, The Catholic Lawyer. Commissioner, 92 T. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data.

Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Financial Planning Estate Planning. Table of Contents Expand. Table of Contents. Funeral Costs as Qualifying Expenses. Expenses Must Be "Reasonable and Necessary".

The Executor's Role. The Decedent's Wishes. How to Take the Deduction. She is an attorney, speaker, and author of two books on estate and taxation issues. Learn about our editorial policies. Reviewed by JeFreda R. JeFreda R.