If you’re starting a new office, you’ll need to purchase many different pieces of equipment to set up your workplace properly. From hybrid sit/stand desks to monitor mounts and office chairs, the list is nearly endless. While the majority of this equipment will be essential for your business, there are some things that you might not need at all.
While it may seem like a trivial matter, what is considered office equipment can be confusing for some businesses. It can be difficult to determine which type of expense a certain item is classified as, especially when it comes to high-cost items such as computers and other technological devices. It’s important to know the difference between office supplies, expenses and assets so that you can keep track of your budget correctly.
Often, the biggest expense for an office will be a computer system. Depending on the needs of your company, you might choose to go with desktop systems for an in-office setup or laptops for remote work locations. Either way, a computer is an absolute necessity for any new business.
Another important piece of equipment is a modem or router, which will allow your employees to connect to the internet. This is essential for anyone who needs to use online programs such as Adobe Photoshop, which requires a stable connection. A modem or router will allow your company to connect multiple devices at once and will also provide a secure firewall.
Other common pieces of equipment include printers, scanners and fax machines. While you might not need one of each at your office, having a variety available will make it easier for you to share information with clients and other companies. It will also help you save money by being able to print in multiple formats from a single machine.
Paper and pens are common office supplies that should be included on your inventory list. These are used regularly in your office and will likely need to be replenished frequently. You’ll also want to include other consumables that are required for the operation of your business, including printer ink, folders and sticky notes. You’ll also want to include other items that are used frequently in your office, such as record keeping supplies, janitorial supplies and break room amenities.
It’s a good idea to classify these items as expenses rather than assets when recording them on your business tax forms. Expenses are generally less expensive than assets and can be deducted in their entirety during the year they were purchased. Assets, on the other hand, are listed as property that can be depreciated over several years of use.
Understanding what is considered office equipment will help you plan your startup costs and create an inventory list that includes all of the necessary equipment for your new business. This will ensure that you have all the equipment you need to be successful, and it’ll also help you keep your business expenses in check by avoiding duplicate purchases.