Expenses when working in Sweden
Here we explain how expenses work for those of you working in Sweden for a short or long period.
Depending on how you are taxed on your income, you have the right to deduct some expenses you incur during your assignment, provided they are directly related to the service you are performing.
Here, we explain which types of expenses are deductible, which are not, and how you should proceed to report these expenses.
Two Types of Expenses
There are two types of expenses:
Non-Deductible Expenses – These do not qualify for tax deductions, meaning you will need to invoice a higher amount to receive full reimbursement.
Deductible Expenses – These can be used for tax deductions and reduce the amount you need to invoice your client in order to receive full reimbursement.
Rules for Claiming Expenses
To claim reimbursement for your expenses, the following conditions must be met:
- Receipt – A clear receipt indicating what the expense pertains to.
- Proof of Payment – Evidence that payment has been made.
- Connection to Ongoing Assignment – The expense must be related to an active assignment and incurred within the same time period as the assignment.
After you have uploaded your expenses to the system, please notify us at partner@coolcompany.com and specify which expenses your client will be reimbursing.
How to Add Your Expenses
To claim reimbursement for your expenses, log in to your profile on Cool Company and create your invoice. When you reach step 4, there is an option to add expenses.
Deductible Expenses with Approved SINK
If your assignment is shorter than 6 months and you are taxed under SINK (Special Income Tax for Non-Residents), there are a few expenses that might be eligible for reimbursement through your employer. These may include, but are not limited to, costs related to travel, accommodation, safety gear, and non-reusable items specific to the assignment. Our finance experts will validate and reimburse compliant deductions if and when applicable.
Common Deductions Without Approved SINK
If you pay Swedish income tax (A-tax) without a SINK decision, you can still make deductions through your annual tax return to the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket). Common deductions include: • One trip per week to and from your home country. • Increased living costs – You can deduct housing costs related to the assignment. If you cannot provide proof of the cost, you can claim a flat-rate deduction of 120 SEK per day for domestic business trips.
Please note that we cannot offer tax advice, and it is essential to refer to the Swedish Tax Agency’s official website for the latest information and guidelines. Here is a link to the website related to common deductions in the tax return, and we encourage you to read it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incorrect or Unclear Receipts:
To have your expenses approved, ensure all receipts are clear and that proof of payment is attached. Unclear or incomplete receipts may result in denial of your reimbursement.
Expenses Not Directly Related to the Assignment:
The Swedish Tax Agency is strict about what expenses can be classified as deductible. Costs not directly related to the performance of the assignment or considered personal will not be approved. Examples include personal expenses or trips not directly related to work.
SINK or Not:
Distinguish whether you fall under SINK or not. The rules around expenses vary depending on the type of tax you are required to pay in Sweden.
Timelines and Eligibility for Deductions
Deadline for Reporting Expenses:
Expenses must be incurred during the assignment period. Old receipts, from before the assignment started or after it has ended, will not be approved for deduction.
Continuous Employment:
You can only claim reimbursement for expenses during a period when you have an active and ongoing assignment. If the assignment is completed or on hold, you cannot claim reimbursement for any expenses.
How Expenses Affect Your Salary
When you claim deductible expenses through Cool Company and pay Swedish A-tax, the expenses act as a tax shield, which reduces your taxable income. This means you will receive a portion (approximately 50%) of the expense amount back through your salary. For non-deductible expenses, you need to invoice a higher amount to cover the entire cost, as these expenses do not reduce your taxable income in the same way.
Specific Advice for International Consultants
For consultants from other countries working temporarily in Sweden, it’s important to understand the rules around SINK taxation and how these may affect your right to claim deductions for travel, accommodation, and other work-related expenses. Make sure you have accurate information about tax rules in both Sweden and your home country, especially if you plan to work in Sweden for shorter periods.
Contact for Questions
If you are unsure about which expenses you can claim or need help understanding how tax rules affect you, do not hesitate to contact Cool Company’s support team at partner@coolcompany.com. We can assist with technical questions about the system, but for tax-related inquiries, we always recommend consulting a tax expert or visiting the Swedish Tax Agency’s website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between deductible and non-deductible expenses?
Deductible expenses are costs that you can use to reduce your taxable income, meaning you get a portion of these costs back through tax deductions (approximately 50% of the amount depending on your tax situation). Non-deductible expenses do not offer tax benefits, meaning you need to invoice a higher amount to cover the entire cost.
How do I know if an expense is deductible?
An expense is deductible if it is directly related to the performance of your assignment and complies with the Swedish Tax Agency’s guidelines. Common deductible expenses include travel to and from the workplace, accommodation costs while working in Sweden, and work-related tools or materials. We recommend always checking with the Swedish Tax Agency for the latest information on what is approved.
What documents do I need to claim expenses?
For each expense, you need:
• A receipt that clearly shows what the purchase is for.
• Proof of payment showing that you have paid for the item or service. • The expense must be related to an active assignment and incurred within the assignment period.
Can I claim reimbursement for old expenses?
No, all expenses must be incurred within the same period as your assignment. Expenses older than the assignment period will not be approved for reimbursement.
What is SINK and how does it affect my expenses?
SINK stands for Special Income Tax for Non-Residents and applies to those who live outside Sweden but work here for a shorter period (usually less than 6 months). If you are covered by SINK, you can deduct certain expenses, such as travel to and from Sweden. Tax deductions for these expenses can reduce your taxable income and thus the amount of tax you pay.
Can I deduct meals and daily commutes to and from the workplace?
Regular commuting or meals during the workday are generally not deductible. However, you can deduct accommodation and travel expenses if they are necessary for performing your assignment and involve a longer work-related trip (e.g., from another country).
What should I do if I have questions about specific expenses or taxes?
Cool Company provides support to help with technical questions about uploading expenses, but for specific tax questions, we recommend contacting a tax expert or the Swedish Tax Agency directly. We cannot offer personal tax advice but can guide you to the right sources and information.
What if I don’t have a receipt?
If you do not have a valid receipt for an expense, you will not be able to claim reimbursement. It is important to always keep your receipts and proof of payment to ensure your expenses are approved.
Can I deduct transportation tickets such as monthly passes?
No, seasonal tickets such as monthly or annual passes for transportation are not deductible according to the Swedish Tax Agency’s guidelines, either fully or partially.
What if my client covers certain expenses?
If your client is going to reimburse certain expenses (e.g., travel or accommodation), it is important to specify this when you email partner@coolcompany.com. Make sure to clearly indicate which expenses are covered by the client so that we can handle them correctly.
Incorrect or Unclear Receipts
To have your expenses approved, ensure all receipts are clear and that proof of payment is attached. Unclear or incomplete receipts may result in denial of your reimbursement.
A valid proof of payment could be a credit card or bank statement, proving you incurred the cost stated on the receipt.