What expense category are value added taxes?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as it can vary depending on the particular business and tax laws in your jurisdiction. However, in general, value added taxes (VAT) are considered to be a type of indirect tax, which would typically fall under the category of "other expenses" on a business's income statement. This is because VAT is levied on the sale of goods and services, rather than on the income of the business itself. As such, it is typically treated as a pass-through expense, meaning that the business simply collects and remits the tax to the government, without claiming any deduction for it on their own taxes.

That said, there may be exceptions to this rule depending on the particular tax laws in your jurisdiction. For example, in some countries businesses may be able to claim a deduction for VAT paid on inputs (i.e. goods and services purchased from other businesses), which would then reduce the overall tax liability. Therefore, it is always best to consult with a tax professional in your country to determine the correct treatment of VAT for your business.

Examples

Country A

In Country A, the VAT rate is 20%. Businesses are able to claim a deduction for VAT paid on inputs, but not for VAT paid on outputs (i.e. sales to customers). Therefore, the net effect of VAT on a business's taxes is as follows:

• VAT paid on inputs: 20% x $100,000 = $20,000
• VAT paid on outputs: 20% x $120,000 = $24,000
• Total VAT paid: $20,000 + $24,000 = $44,000
• VAT liability: $44,000 x 20% = $8,800
• Input tax credit: $20,000 x 20% = $4,000
• Net VAT liability: $8,800 - $4,000 = $4,800

As you can see from the example above, the net effect of VAT on a business's taxes in Country A is an additional expense of $4,800. This amount would typically be reported under the "other expenses" category on the business's income statement.

Country B

In Country B, the VAT rate is 15%. Businesses are not able to claim a deduction for VAT paid on inputs, but they are able to claim a deduction for VAT paid on outputs. Therefore, the net effect of VAT on a business's taxes is as follows:

• VAT paid on inputs: 15% x $100,000 = $15,000
• VAT paid on outputs: 15% x $120,000 = $18,000
• Total VAT paid: $15,000 + $18,000 = $33,000
• VAT liability: $33,000 x 15% = $4,950
• Output tax credit: $18,000 x 15% = $2,700
• Net VAT liability: $4,950 - $2,700 = $2,250

As you can see from the example above, the net effect of VAT on a business's taxes in Country B is an additional expense of $2,250. This amount would typically be reported under the "other expenses" category on the business's income statement.

Country C

In Country C, the VAT rate is 10%. Businesses are able to claim a deduction for VAT paid on inputs, but not for VAT paid on outputs. Therefore, the net effect of VAT on a business's taxes is as follows:

• VAT paid on inputs: 10% x $100,000 = $10,000
• VAT paid on outputs: 10% x $120,000 = $12,000
• Total VAT paid: $10,000 + $12,000 = $22,000
• VAT liability: $22,000 x 10% = $2,200
• Input tax credit: $10,000 x 10% = $1,000
• Net VAT liability: $2,200 - $1,000 = $1,200

As you can see from the example above, the net effect of VAT on a business's taxes in Country C is an additional expense of $1,200. This amount would typically be reported under the "other expenses" category on the business's income statement.

What category is right for my business?

The expense cateogry can vary depending on the particular business and tax laws in your jurisdiction. In general, however, VAT is considered to be a type of indirect tax which would fall under the category of "other expenses" on a business's income statement. This is because VAT is levied on the sale of goods and services, rather than on the income of the business itself. As such, it is typically treated as a pass-through expense, meaning that the business simply collects and remits the tax to the government without claiming any deduction for it on their own taxes.