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.
Typical 2026 range: $1,500–$4,500 depending on region and home. 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 only legally non-declinable item under the FTC Funeral Rule.
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 charge $3,800 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 is legally required to give you on request — in person, by phone, or by email.
- 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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