Can I deduct funeral expenses when figuring out my 2006 taxes?

Question

I swear I heard somewhere that I could.

Answer 1

The funeral expenses are deducted by the estate in arriving at the net value of the estate for estate tax purposes.

They are not deductible on any individual income tax return, either the decedent's final return or yours if you actually paid the expenses.

Answer 2

No. Funeral expenses are not deductible on either 1040 or by the estate on form 1041. They are only deductible on form 706 for estates over $2,000,000 in value.

From Pub 559
"Funeral expenses paid by the estate are not deductible in figuring the estate's taxable income on Form 1041. They are deductible only for determining the taxable estate for federal estate tax purposes on Form 706. "

Answer 3

No you can't. If they're paid by the estate, the estate can deduct them on an estate return, but you can't deduct funeral expenses on your personal return.

Answer 4

Funeral expenses are deductible for estate tax purposes, but are not includible in medical expenses for itemized deductions (or for any other deduction).

Answer 5

if you paid the expenses in 2006 -- yes