What Does "Judicial Expenses" Mean As A Tax Deduction?

Expenses allowed as deduction under this category are those incurred in the inventory-taking of a assets comprising the gross estate, their administration, the payment of debts of the estate, as well as the distribution of the estate among the heirs. In short, these deductible items are expenses incurred during the settlement of the estate but not beyond the last day prescribed by law, or the extension thereof, for the filing of the estate tax return. Judicial expenses may include:

(a) Fees of executor or administrator;

(b) Attorney’s fees;

(c) Court fees;

(d) Accountant’s fees;

(e) Appraiser’s fees;

(f) Clerk hire;

(g) Costs of preserving and distributing the estate;

(h) Costs of storing or maintaining property of the estate; and

(i) Brokerage fees for selling property of the estate.

Any unpaid amount for the aforementioned cost and expenses claimed under “Judicial Expenses” should be supported by a sworn statement of account issued and signed by the creditor.