Funeral homes, memorial services, burial plots – many funeral-related expenses can be claimed on your tax return. Here’s what to consider and which costs you can include.
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Funeral costs can be deducted as extraordinary expenses in the category "Expenses".
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You must have paid the costs yourself and be legally or morally obligated to do so.
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Only costs not covered by the estate can be claimed.
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They only reduce your taxes if they exceed your reasonable burden.
🚀 Your Guide
Who Is Responsible for Funeral Costs?
Heirs are legally required to pay for the funeral. If there are no heirs or the inheritance is refused, relatives with maintenance obligations (e.g. spouses, children, parents) must cover the costs.
Even if you are not legally required to pay, moral obligations (e.g. family expectations) can justify assuming the costs.
➡️ In both cases, funeral expenses can be claimed as extraordinary expenses.
How Much Funeral Expense Is Deductible?
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Tax authorities generally consider funeral expenses up to €7,500 to be reasonable.
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If your costs exceed this, they may not be fully recognized.
Important: You must deduct the available inheritance:
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If the funeral is entirely covered by the estate, you cannot claim the expenses.
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You can only claim costs that exceed the value of the estate.
The taxable value of the estate includes:
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Cash
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Bank balances
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Securities
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Property (market value)
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Jewelry
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Death benefit payouts
Which Funeral Costs Can Be Claimed?
You can claim direct funeral-related costs:
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Death-related costs: Death certificate, medical fees, autopsy, funeral home, casket/urn, obituary
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Memorial service: Flowers, venue, speaker, music, pallbearers
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Gravesite: Plot fee, preparation, headstone, maintenance
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Other costs: Interest on funeral loans, outstanding debts of the deceased
🚫 Not deductible: Refreshments for guests, mourning attire
How Do Funeral Costs Affect Your Taxes?
Funeral costs qualify as extraordinary expenses.
However, a personal contribution ("reasonable burden") applies: These expenses only reduce your taxes if they exceed your reasonable burden.
This threshold depends on:
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your annual income
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your marital status
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the number of children
💡 For a detailed explanation of this threshold, check our article on extraordinary expenses.
How to Enter Funeral Costs in the App
In the "Expenses" category, find the question about unavoidable costs (extraordinary expenses).
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Select "Funeral expenses".
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Enter the type of expense (e.g. burial plot, casket, flowers, wreaths, obituaries) and the amount.
📍 Note: Only costs not covered by the inheritance can be entered.
🚀 Fill out the simple question-answer flow - we'll take care of the rest!
Still have questions?
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