Indirect cost

Definition

Indirect costs, commonly referred to as overhead costs, are expenses that are challenging to directly assign to a specific product, project, or activity.

What are indirect costs?

Unlike direct costs, which can be directly tied to a specific cost object, indirect costs are incurred for the overall operation of a business and are shared among various cost objects. Indirect costs are often considered fixed costs as they do not vary directly with production levels and are incurred regardless of the volume of goods or services produced.

Understanding and properly allocating indirect costs is important for businesses to determine the true cost of production, set pricing strategies, and assess overall profitability. It helps in making informed decisions about resource allocation and budgeting.

Examples of indirect costs

  1. Overhead costs: Costs associated with the general operation of a business, including rent, utilities, insurance, and property taxes.
  2. Administrative salaries: Salaries of employees who provide administrative support but may not be directly involved in production or service delivery.
  3. Depreciation: The gradual loss of value of long-term assets like machinery or buildings over time.
  4. Maintenance costs: Costs incurred to maintain and repair equipment or facilities that support overall business operations.
  5. Indirect labour: Wages of employees who contribute to the overall functioning of the business but are not directly involved in production.

Clever finance tips and the latest news

Delivered to your inbox monthly

Join the 95,000+ businesses just like yours getting the Swoop newsletter.

Free. No spam. Opt out whenever you like.

Our offices:

Disclaimer: Swoop Finance Pty Ltd (ABN 52 644 513 333) helps Australian firms access business finance, working directly with firms and their trusted advisors. We are a credit broker and do not provide finance products ourselves. All finance and quotes are subject to status and income. Applicants must be aged 18 and over and terms and conditions apply. Guarantees and Indemnities may be required. Swoop Finance Pty Ltd can introduce applicants to a number of providers based on the applicants’ circumstances and creditworthiness, we may receive a commission or finder’s fee for effecting such introductions. Swoop Finance Pty Ltd does not provide any kind of advice and in giving you information about providers products, we are not making any suggestion or recommendation to you about a particular product. Offers of finance are subject to a separate assessment process by the provider and subject to their terms and conditions. If you feel you have a complaint, please read our complaints section which is contained within our terms and conditions.

© Swoop 2025

Looks like you're in . Go to our site to find relevant products for your country. Go to Swoop