From our “Ask a Question” Mailbag: Festive Funeral Directives and Payment from Estate

Most Recently Updated July 21, 2018.

“My father recently died a resident of Philadelphia and I am the executor of his estate. The will says that he wants $5,000 spent for his wake at his favorite stripper bar. My sister is going to be upset. Can she stop me from honoring dad’s wishes? I read on your site that funerals and wakes are deductible. Is a wake at a striper bar deductible?”

Festive Funeral Directives and Payment from Estate

Festive Funeral Directives and Payment from Estate

In some cultures, the wake is a festive event. In others, it is a somber event.

Your dad went for festive.

His putting his wish in the will and giving you a specific dollar amount puts you on firm ground. If he had just told you this wish without putting it into writing, your sister could more easily stop the wake or later demand that you pay for it out of your share.

Allowed Deductions

The Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax and the Federal Estate Tax allow for a deduction against the tax for a funeral and related events proportionate to the deceased’s estate. For many estates, spending $5,000 on a wake for a large group (including food and drinks) falls within the range of reasonable. I would need to know more about your father’s estate to tell you if the price tag is really reasonable, however. The wake’s location is not as a factor in getting the deduction. On the practical side, make sure the receipt for the expense shows that you are only spending the money on entrance fees, food, and drink.

More Probate Questions?

The funeral expense is only part of the overall probate process. By all means, if you wish to learn more, please read my more detailed article, The Probate Process All You Need to Know.

In Conclusion: Festive Funeral Directives and Payment from Estate

I hope that this article was helpful in explaining the funeral expense. Further, I included links to even more detailed information on my website. Therefore, please contact me and let me know how I did. Certainly, your comments and questions are welcome!

Let our Probate Lawyers help walk you through what can be a confusing process. To begin with, call to speak to one of our experienced Probate Attorneys.  By all means, our lawyers are ready to answer your questions. In fact, feel free to contact our office for a free consultation. Ultimately our goal is to make the process as painless as possible!

Wills, Trusts, Probate, and Estate Litigation, It’s All We Do