What is the homestead allowance?

  a. A reduction of $20,000 in estate assets prior to computing the amount of federal estate taxes.
  b. The amount of property conveyed in a will to a surviving spouse.
  c. An allotment from an estate to a surviving spouse and/or minor and dependent children before any claims are paid.
  d. A decrease in the value of property on which state inheritance taxes are assessed. The reduction is equal to the value of property conveyed to a surviving spouse.