Every euro of a legitimate expense lowers your sole trader's (s.p.) tax base – but only if you claim it correctly. In this guide we review the most common tax-deductible expenses, flag the pitfalls, and explain how renting a coworking space fits among them.
Important: tax-deductible expenses are relevant for an s.p. that determines its tax base using actual expenses. Flat-rate traders do not claim costs, as FURS grants them a lump sum. This article is informational – align specific cases with an accountant.
The basic rule
An expense is tax-deductible if it is necessary for generating revenue from your activity, is documented with a credible receipt (an invoice made out to your s.p. details) and is not personal in nature. If it fails to meet these three conditions, FURS can disallow it during an audit.
The most common tax-deductible expenses
- Business premises rental – a classic office or coworking; an invoice for a makerSP_CE membership is a typical recognised expense.
- Equipment and low-value assets – computer, monitor, phone, office equipment (more expensive fixed assets are depreciated).
- Telecommunications – business phone and internet.
- Services – accounting, legal advice, design, website hosting, software and subscriptions.
- Training – courses, conferences and literature related to your activity.
- Travel expenses – mileage for business trips in your own vehicle, per diems, accommodation (per the applicable regulation and with a trip log).
- Social security contributions – the mandatory contributions of the self-employed.
- Entertainment – hosting business partners is partially recognised (usually 50%).
What is not tax-deductible
- Expenses of a personal nature (private travel, everyday clothing, family purchases).
- Fines and penalties.
- Expenses without a credible receipt – a „lost invoice“ does not exist for tax purposes.
- The portion of costs relating to private use (e.g. with mixed use of a vehicle or a home, the business and private parts must be split).
Coworking as an expense: a clean and simple solution
A home office raises the complex question of splitting housing costs into business and private parts. Renting coworking is the opposite: one invoice, entirely business in nature, with no need to prove square footage. At makerSP_CE you receive a monthly invoice with VAT (rental from €135) that already includes a desk, internet, printing, a meeting room and coffee – your accountant books it in a minute. Bonus: if you are VAT-registered, you can reclaim the input VAT on the rental.
Practical tips for tidy operations
- Separate business and private cash flow – a dedicated business account is standard for an s.p. anyway.
- Store receipts as you go (photograph them into an app or folder) – searching in December is a nightmare.
- Make sure every invoice is made out to your s.p. details (name, address, tax number).
- Once a quarter, review with your accountant whether you are forgetting to claim any eligible expense.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is a coworking membership a tax-deductible expense?
Yes – it is the rental of a workspace necessary for performing your activity, documented with an invoice. For an s.p. using actual expenses, it lowers the tax base.
Can I claim expenses if I work from home?
Partly – a proportionate share of housing costs can in principle be claimed, but it requires consistent delineation and documentation, which in practice often brings more complications than benefits.
What about coffee and lunch?
Your own meals are not a tax-deductible expense (the self-employed cover them differently), while hosting business partners falls under entertainment with partial recognition. At a coworking space, coffee is simply already included in the rental price.
Conclusion
Tidy expenses mean a lower tax bill and a good night's sleep during an audit. Start with the biggest and cleanest: a professional workspace with a single invoice. Take a look at the makerSP_CE packages and simplify your bookkeeping this month.
🚀 Ready for a change? Book your spot at the makerSP_CE coworking space today. makerspace.si | rezervacije@makerspace.si | +386 30 393 405
Related reading
- Flat-rate or standard sole trader (s.p.)
- 5 reasons freelancers choose coworking
- How much does a coworking space cost?
- When to Register for VAT: Threshold, Obligations and When It Pays Off