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Managing an SASU, manage your expenses like a pro!

Managing an SASU, manage your expenses like a pro!

By Inès Ikar

Published: October 17, 2024

The business expenses of a SASU raise many questions, but are an undeniable strategic advantage. Why should we ask? Quite simply because your expenses are deductible and have a significant impact on your tax bill.

However, abusive behavior can work against you.

Learn how to organize your SASU expense accounts and create them from A to Z with our practical guide!

What are the different expenses of a SASU?

Note de frais SASU: definition

SASU expense reports are documents drawn up by an employee or company director, listing the various expenses incurred in a personal capacity for the purposes of a professional activity.

There are three types of expenses in a SASU.

Social security charges

These are contributions deducted from the remuneration of the SASU's manager and employees. Although the social protection process is relatively attractive for a SASU, the deductions are high. The organizations deduct 65% of the salary paid, and if dividends are paid, the rate rises to 17.2%.

Tax charges

If you are a SASU subject to corporation tax, the applicable rate varies according to your size and sales.

However, most companies pay 26.5% of their taxable profits.

Operating expenses

Last but not least, operating expenses include all expenses incurred in the course of business, and depend on a number of factors, as mentioned above.

What are the deductible business expenses for the president of a SASU?

One of the main advantages of the SASU legal form is the reimbursement of certain professional expenses.

Meal expenses

This concerns meal expenses incurred by the president of a SASU, and it is important to distinguish between ordinary meals and professional meals.

Ordinary meals are regular and disbursed on a daily basis, whereas business meals are shared with clients, partners or collaborators who are not attached to the company.

The SASU director must prove that he or she is unable to eat at home, either because the location is too far away, or because working hours are too restrictive.

The deduction is 4.85 euros per meal in 2020, and you can declare two meals a day to benefit from a 9.70 euro tax deduction.

💡 Please note: report the amount of ordinary meal expenses in the annual statement of overheads if the amount exceeds 6,100 euros during a financial year.

Travel expenses using a business vehicle

You are also entitled to financial reimbursement if you use a vehicle.

You'll receive assistance with fuel, car maintenance and insurance. If you lease a vehicle, the company may be able to cover the cost of leasing and monthly payments.

You'll need to take into account the mileage rate multiplied by the distance covered to obtain the exact amount.

Accommodation expenses for SASU domiciled with its chairman

If your business is located in the home of the head of the SASU, then a specific proportion of current expenses will be accounted for, such as :

  • Water and electricity bills,
  • rent
  • communication costs,
  • council tax,
  • insurance premiums.

Our tips for organizing your SASU expense accounts

Record your SASU business expenses

Draw up expense reports to record your expenses, specifying :

  • Expense claim number,
  • Payment date,
  • description of expense,
  • amount excluding or including VAT,
  • the reason,
  • the persons or companies involved.

Fill in your expense reports correctly

Since your expense reports may be subject to tax inspection, it's vital to ensure that they are accurate. Protect yourself against penalties by providing as much information as possible. If you don't provide accurate information, you may be suspected of tax fraud.

You must provide the name of the organization receiving the payment, and the name of the manager, with details of the amount (e.g. excluding VAT, including VAT).

Provide the right supporting documents

Receipts are clear proof of your good faith, and are important in the event of a tax audit. Be sure to keep your sales receipts, invoices or receipts. Some expenses require additional information on the receipt. If you fail to meet these conditions, you may be refused reimbursement.

If your employees are unable to provide proof of expenses, there are a number of methods you can use:

  • Attestations on honor,
  • duplicates,
  • bank statements or credit card receipts.

Obviously, this type of case must remain exceptional. We advise you to refuse this type of alternative proof in the event of recurrence. Properly printed receipts will always be required in the event of an inspection.

We want to hear from you! What tips would you give us for managing SASU expense accounts?