Glossary
Expenses & Payables

Expense Reimbursement

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
June 2, 2025

DEFINITION:

Expense reimbursement is compensating individuals for approved, out-of-pocket costs incurred while conducting organizational business.
Expense reimbursement is the process by which an organization compensates employees, volunteers, or members for business-related expenses they have personally paid for on behalf of the organization. Common reimbursable expenses include travel, meals, office supplies, or other purchases necessary to fulfill organizational duties. To be reimbursed, individuals typically submit detailed documentation—such as receipts and an expense report—for review and approval, ensuring the expenses are legitimate and comply with internal policies. This systematic approach helps organizations maintain accurate financial records, uphold accountability, and adhere to tax regulations by correctly categorizing and tracking each reimbursed expense.

Key Takeaways

  • Ensures individuals are repaid for legitimate business expenses
  • Requires clear documentation and approval processes
  • Helps maintain accurate and transparent financial records
  • Supports compliance with organizational and tax regulations

Why It Matters

Proper expense reimbursement ensures transparency, accountability, and compliance with financial policies and tax regulations.

Real World Example

A volunteer with a local animal rescue nonprofit purchases dog food and cleaning supplies for an adoption event, paying out of pocket. After the event, she submits receipts and a completed expense report to the organization's treasurer. The treasurer reviews the documentation, confirms the expenses align with the nonprofit’s policy, and approves the reimbursement. The volunteer receives a check for the exact amount spent, and the transaction is recorded in the nonprofit’s accounting system as a reimbursed expense, ensuring both transparency and accurate tracking of the organization's spending.

How Aplos Helps

Aplos allows nonprofits to streamline expense reimbursement by providing tools to track reimbursable expenses, attach receipts, and categorize payments for accurate bookkeeping. Expense claims can be easily reviewed and approved within the platform, promoting transparency and compliance for your organization.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies as a reimbursable expense?

Reimbursable expenses are costs paid out-of-pocket by individuals for legitimate, approved business purposes, such as travel, office supplies, or event costs.

How should receipts be submitted for reimbursement?

Receipts should be attached to an expense report or reimbursement form, either physically or digitally, according to your organization's policy.

How does Aplos help with expense reimbursement?

Aplos provides tools to submit, review, and track expense reimbursements, making the process transparent and compliant with your nonprofit's policies.

Why is documentation important for reimbursements?

Proper documentation prevents errors, fraud, and ensures all expenses are legitimate and meet organizational and tax requirements.