At thegreenlist.nl we also like to give you ideas for a more sustainable life in the workplace with our ‘Work & Business’ section. And so we asked accountant Marcel Huting how to properly account for business second-hand purchases.
Good idea: make business purchase second-hand!
In cooperation with Huting Tax Advice & Administration
It is very convenient as well as sustainable to buy things for your business second-hand. You can find great office supplies second-hand. Think office chairs, laptops, keyboards, printers, label printers, mice and smartphones. You will also save a lot of money. So not a crazy idea to strike out on the second-hand circuit for your business. But to deduct costs, you always need an official invoice. This is never a problem with new goods, but it is different with a purchase via Marktplaats, of course. How do you account for second-hand purchases?
Recording second-hand business purchase correctly in accounts
Marcel: ‘Then at least pay for the second-hand purchase from your business bank account and make a note of the seller's details and what you bought. Even better if the seller draws up a receipt for you and emails it to you. Don't feel like doing that but want to buy second-hand? Then buy it in a second-hand shop or at a refurbished (web)shop, then you always get and receipt or invoice.’ On finding the best second-hand and refurbished gadgets and electronics we have previously written an article. We have handy tips on how to find second-hand gadgets!
Do you sometimes hire things for your business? Those are business expenses too! So keep that invoice and process it in your accounting system!
Is it okay to write off a used laptop or phone in one go?
Marcel: ‘When buying things for your business from 450 euros upwards, you have to look at the lifespan. So some purchases, like a laptop or a smartphone, you may not deduct in one go, but you may only deduct as the investments decrease in value, usually 20% per year. So if you buy a laptop of five hundred euros, you may deduct one hundred euros per year as expenses. It does not matter here whether it is new or second-hand. As a start-up, you are allowed to write off the first three years at random, which can be an advantage.’
Need more tips and help?
Maybe you have been doing business for a while, or maybe your initiative is still in its infancy. Either way, with the guide for starting entrepreneurs, we would like to help you on your way with the administrative side, so you can do what you do best: make your idea a success! Because say it yourself, it's a nice idea when the administrative basics are all in order. With the help of this guide, you will have everything you need to organise your company's bookkeeping properly, learn good habits and, as a bonus, we will also share with you how you can do business a little more consciously. We got you!
For 13.50 euros, you have this lifesaver directly to your inbox and so on your tablet or mobile phone! Order the guide for start-ups in our webshop!
More sustainable accounting tips?
Still have more questions or need more help with your bookkeeping? Of course, Marcel Huting's team is also here to help you further. Give him my regards!
- Also see: All about deducting business expenses.
- Also see: Accounting tips for start-ups.
- Also see: Legal tips for sole proprietor entrepreneurs.
About Marcel Huting
Marcel does administration and bookkeeping for a variety of companies and individuals throughout the Netherlands. He can help you get started or take over the entire bookkeeping process from you. Find out more about Huting Tax Advice & Administration.
