Non-declinable basic services fee
Also called: Basic services fee, Professional services fee
The one fee a funeral home is allowed to charge every family regardless of what services they pick. Covers overhead — facility, staff time, paperwork.
Our benchmark fair range in 2026 is $1,500–$2,500; quotes above $3,500 are where our checker calls it predatory. The fee covers the funeral home's general operating costs (rent, staff, filing the death certificate, coordinating with the crematory or cemetery). It is the primary non-declinable item under the FTC Funeral Rule — the one fee every family pays regardless of the services they choose.
This fee varies more between funeral homes than almost any other line item. A neighborhood independent might charge $1,800; a national chain in the same zip code might quote twice that for the same service. Always check this number first when comparing GPLs.
- GPL (General Price List)— The itemized price list every funeral home in the US must hand you when you ask in person. They must also answer price questions over the phone. (Federal law does not yet require them to email it or post it online — though good homes do.)
- FTC Funeral Rule— The federal regulation governing what funeral homes can and cannot do. In effect since 1984. Enforced by the Federal Trade Commission.
This definition is general consumer information, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Industry practices and regulations change occasionally; verify before relying on anything here for a specific decision.
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