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Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in . Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. A funeral trust may help individuals create a plan for their end-of-life arrangements. This may have several potential benefits. In some situations, a funeral trust might secure a lower burial or creamation cost because the price is effectively locked in at whatever point the funeral trust is created. They may also eliminate difficult planning decisions for your loved ones’ during their time of mourning. These benefits may make a funeral trust attractive, but there are also potential downsides to consider. This advertising widget is powered by HomeInsurance.com, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 8781838) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and clickable links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Homeinsurance.com LLC in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what ads and links appear, and how, where, and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available to you as a consumer. We strive to keep our information accurate and up-to-date, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer terms from an advertiser may be different than the offer terms on this widget. All offers may be subject to additional terms and conditions of the advertiser. Compare life insurance providers quickly and easily
See which provider is right for you. The amount of coverage you need depends on many factors, including your age, income, mortgage and other debts and anticipated funeral expenses. Whole life insurance combines life insurance with an investment component. Coverage for life Tax-deferred savings benefit if premiums are paid 3 variations of permanent insurance: whole life, universal life and variable life include investment component Term life insurance is precisely what the name implies: an insurance policy that is good for a specific term of time. Fixed premium over term No savings benefits Outliving policy or policy cancellation results in no money back Find matches Powered by HomeInsurance.com (NPN: 8781838) This advertising widget is powered by HomeInsurance.com, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 8781838) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. HomeInsurance.com LLC services are only available in states where it is licensed and insurance coverage through HomeInsurance.com may not be available in all states. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. Bankrate Why Lemonade? It's a fresh twist on life insurance: easy, accessible and affordable. See more providers in Choose from insurers in Show More What is a funeral trust
It may help to think of funeral trusts like a funeral savings account. The funeral trust is a legal agreement between three parties: The trustor: This is the individual who creates the funeral trust. They may also be called the grantor or settlor. The trustee: This is the bank, trust company or funeral home who manages the funeral trust. The beneficiary: This is the funeral home that will benefit from the funeral trust. The purpose of these trusts is to pre-arrange funeral plans and . This money sits in a trust until the trustor passes away, at which point the trust pays out to the specified funeral home. There are two types of funeral trusts: revocable and irrevocable. The difference between them is whether you can change your mind and cancel the plan. If you set up an irrevocable funeral trust, then you transfer control of your assets to the trust account for management by a trustee. You cannot revoke the contract or reclaim your benefits. With an irrevocable trust, the assets are locked until your beneficiaries receive the benefits upon your death. Conversely, if you set up a revocable funeral trust, you retain control of your assets and can typically make changes to your contract terms, including dissolving the contract and getting most of your assets back. However, there may be fees involved when you dissolve a revocable funeral trust. What expenses are covered by a funeral trust
Funerals can be expensive, with many costs to consider. Every funeral is different, but there are several common areas of expenditure to consider. Depending on the funeral home and the arrangements of the burial trust, any of these expenses could be included: A casket, burial vault, cemetery plot or urn Embalming or cremation arrangements Clothing, presentation and preparation for viewing and burial Transportation and officiant services Obituary and death certificate fees Venue, food, flowers and other event specifics Benefits of funeral trusts
Funeral trusts may be beneficial in several ways. Knowing the benefits could help you make an informed decision if you’re considering this type of trust. Executor flexibility
A funeral trust allows for any relative, other person, entity or funeral home to handle funeral arrangements, if necessary. That means that when you create a funeral trust, you can place just about anyone in charge, provided they agree. This may make it easier for a non-family member or more distant relative to take point on funeral plans. Medicaid benefits eligibility
One advantage of an irrevocable funeral trust (or irrevocable burial trust) is that they are excluded when counting assets to determine if you . Assets included in a revocable trust do have an impact on qualifying for Medicaid coverage. So, if you’re near the limit for Medicaid eligibility, an irrevocable trust may be more sensible than a revocable one. However, different states have different laws surrounding trusts and Medicaid eligibility. For example, many states have limits on the amount of money that can be put in the trust as well as how recently the trust was set up. Reduced funeral cost expenses for loved ones
A funeral trust sets aside money to ensure your end-of-life arrangements are funded and planned in accordance with your wishes, but it could help you save money as well. With a trust, funeral expenses are prepaid at the current rate rather than the rate at the time of death. Because costs tend to go up over time, this may help you and your family save on expenses. Funeral planning ease
In addition to financial ease, a funeral trust may also reduce emotional stress on your loved ones by pre-planning many specific details. For instance, the style of burial or cremation, funeral attire, viewing hours and more can all be pre-determined when the funeral trust is created. This may reduce the logistical burden on your loved ones while ensuring your final burial wishes are still met. Potential disadvantages of funeral trusts
While funeral trusts may be used as a financial and logistical resource, there are some potential drawbacks associated with these funeral tools. Risk of lost or inaccessible funds
If a funeral trust is purchased from a privately-owned funeral home and that funeral home then goes into bankruptcy or mismanages the funds, the money spent on prepaid funeral needs may be irretrievably lost. In addition, funeral trusts may not transfer from state to state. If you purchase a funeral trust in one state but live in another state when you die, funds may not transfer between funeral homes. Medicaid and tax implications
While an irrevocable trust does not affect Medicaid eligibility as the assets included are not counted as part of the qualification process, a revocable funeral trust can affect your and is subjected to Medicaid spend-down rules. Even with an irrevocable funeral trust, there are limits to how much can be excluded when determining Medicaid eligibility. In terms of taxes, in most states and with the federal government, from a funeral trust account is taxable and must be reported on your income tax returns. Funeral trusts are not a common product
Although these trusts offer several potential benefits, they are a less common mechanism for funeral planning than many alternatives. While this may not reduce their usefulness, it may make knowledge about them more challenging to obtain. In general, information about funeral trust management and beneficiary rights is harder to access, and these types of arrangements may have less clear regulations than alternatives. How to set up a funeral trust
When you contact a funeral home that handles these types of trusts, they will walk you through the process. It generally entails discussing details about how you want to be buried or cremated, if you want viewing arrangements, how you want your funeral structured, what your obituary should be and any other specifics related to your end-of-life planning. While the process can be lengthy and detailed, it’s relatively straightforward. Before finalizing the funeral trust, you’ll have to submit payment. Tips for setting up a funeral trust
Research relocation regulations: Before opening your funeral trust, it may be beneficial to confirm that the trust can be changed to a new state if you relocate. If you move across state lines, be sure to change the trustee and beneficiary to the new funeral home you will use. Choose a reputable funeral home provider: Online reviews or local word-of-mouth recommendations may help you find a reputable funeral home. This step may help ensure that your funeral trust covers the agreed upon services after your death. Determine how much your funeral will cost: You might consider cross referencing your state’s limitations on funeral trusts with the estimated cost of your funeral. Your chosen funeral home should be able to help you estimate the cost of your burial or cremation and services. Compare various methods of funding a prepaid funeral trust: Cash, savings bonds, CDs, Payment Plans, or Final Expense Insurance (Burial Life Insurance) may be used to fund a prepaid trust. Confirm that proceeds from the trust will be accepted as payment: Most funeral trust experts recommend double checking that your chosen funeral home will accept the funds from the trust as payment for services. Consider consulting an attorney: An attorney for the elderly may help consumers understand the legalities and tax requirements involved in funeral trusts. Make sure loved ones are aware of your plans: It may be a good idea to provide your executor and all your heirs with a copy of the trust as well as contact information for the funeral home and beneficiary if they are different. Alternatives to funeral trusts
Although funeral trusts may be helpful, if you’re on the fence, you may want to consider these alternatives: Payable-on-death account
Money can be invested into for the purpose of covering funeral expenses. The account owner can name at least one beneficiary (and trustee). You retain control and can withdraw funds while you are alive, but beneficiaries can claim and withdraw funds for funeral expenses after your death. Final expense insurance or burial insurance
is a form of whole life insurance that may be purchased from an to cover funeral expenses. Beneficiaries can use the money to pay for funeral expenses and for other final life expenses. from several different companies or speaking with a licensed insurance agent may help you find a policy to fit your needs. Savings account
Another alternative is to open a earmarked for funeral expenses. You can deposit funds to save up enough to cover funeral expenses, burial costs and services. Extra funds may help your family pay for additional and unexpected expenses and account for inflation. You may wish to consider designating a trusted beneficiary who can withdraw the money immediately to finance your funeral. Frequently asked questions
Who can set up an irrevocable funeral trust
Any competent adult 99 years or younger and of legal age can establish a funeral trust. You can open a trust for immediate family members such as parents, siblings, spouses, children or stepchildren. You can also open such a trust for yourself.
Can a funeral home be a life insurance beneficiary
Typically, life insurance companies do not allow you to list a funeral home as a beneficiary. With a standard life insurance policy, you may be able to request funeral home assignment paperwork from your insurer. This paperwork would be completed by you and the funeral home of your choice. When your life insurance policy pays out, the insurance company sends a check for the designated amount to the funeral home. However, with a funeral trust, you can bypass this complication. Funeral trusts are much smaller than most standard life insurance policies and are designed to have funeral homes as beneficiaries.
Are funeral expenses tax deductible in a trust
Funeral expenses are not deductible on your personal taxes, but if the expenses are fully paid from the trust and an estate funded this trust, the taxes may be deductible from that estate’s taxes. In general, funeral costs are not tax deductible for individuals. SHARE: Joshua Cox-Steib has two years of experience in writing for insurance domains such as Bankrate, Coverage.com, The Simple Dollar, Reviews.com, and more. His work has also been featured on such sites as MSN and BBB (Better Business Bureau). His insurance writing career has spanned across multiple product lines, with a primary focus on auto insurance, life insurance, and home insurance. Amelia Buckley is an insurance editor, covering auto, home and life insurance. She emphasizes creating informative, engaging and nuanced content to support readers in making personalized insurance decisions. Related Articles