What expense category do paper clips come under?

Audrey CarrollAudrey Carroll, Senior Manager, Accounting, Ramp

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Paper clips might seem insignificant, but accurately categorizing even the smallest expenses is essential for effective financial management. So, where do these tiny office staples fit into your expense reports?

Classifying paper clip expenses

When recording paper clip purchases, they typically fall under office supplies in your financial records. However, depending on their specific use, they might be classified differently:

  • Office supplies: For general office use, such as organizing documents and everyday administrative tasks.
  • Stationery: If used for specialized purposes like assembling presentation materials or custom stationery projects.
  • Other expenses: In unique cases where paper clips are used creatively, like in crafting or promotional items.

Examples of paper clip expenses

Here are some common scenarios involving paper clip expenses:

  • Purchasing bulk packs of standard paper clips for daily office use.
  • Buying colored or decorative clips for special reports or client presentations.
  • Using paper clips in workshops or training materials.
  • Incorporating paper clips into creative projects or event decorations.

For example, spending $15 on a box of paper clips for your team's daily use would typically be categorized under office supplies.

Tax implications of paper clip expenses

Understanding how paper clip purchases affect your taxes can be beneficial. Key points to consider:

  • Deductible business expenses: Paper clips, as office supplies, are generally tax-deductible.
  • Non-deductible expenses: If you purchase paper clips for personal use, they are not tax-deductible as business expenses.

Keep receipts and document expenses to support your deductions. Regularly classifying these expenses simplifies tax preparation and ensures compliance. Even small costs add up, so accurate tracking helps in budgeting and financial planning. Recording these expenses properly can contribute to your overall tax efficiency.

Let Ramp automate your expense process

Managing expenses like paper clips doesn't have to be time-consuming. Ramp automates the categorization, tracking, and management of all your office supply expenses, ensuring each purchase is recorded accurately. Focus on running your business while Ramp takes care of the details.

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As we scale we need tools that are built to scale with us - we need to see expenses real time, we need to see duplicate spend. These types of insights are important to the health of our business.

Steve Padis

SVP Finance & Strategy, Barry's

The information provided in this article does not constitute legal or financial advice and is for general informational purposes only. Please check with an attorney or financial advisor to obtain advice with respect to the content of this article.

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