31/07/2025
You have started a sole proprietorship, but some expenses were incurred before the official launch of your activity. You may have bought a laptop a year ago or taken a course before becoming self-employed. These expenses can often still be recorded as professional costs. Here’s how to correctly register these pre-launch expenses in PIA Go!.
It often happens that certain purchases are made before the official start of the business. For example, you may have bought equipment one year before launching and now use it for your professional activity. You can still include this expense in your accounting. One important rule applies: you cannot record the original purchase price, only the value of the asset at the time your activity starts.
How do you determine that value? For most equipment such as computers, smartphones or other electronic devices, you can check second-hand marketplaces to estimate the current value of comparable models.
If you cannot find a similar model, you can start from the original purchase price and apply a realistic annual depreciation.
Example:
A laptop purchased for €1,200 one year ago can be included in your accounting at a value of around €800, by applying a depreciation of about one third per year.
| Watch out for VAT! |
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| The VAT paid at the time of the original purchase can generally no longer be recovered. There is, however, an important exception. Expenses specifically incurred to set up your business may still give rise to VAT deduction. This includes: • costs related to a business registration office; • the creation of your logo or visual identity; • certain administrative costs linked to starting your activity. These expenses are directly linked to setting up your business and may therefore still allow VAT recovery in some cases. |
Recording these expenses in PIA Go! is very simple. Follow these steps:
Create a new purchase;
use the start date of your professional activity as the date;
enter the estimated current value of the asset in the Amount excluding VAT field;
select 0% as the VAT rate;
if the asset is used for more than one year, record it as an investment and indicate the remaining depreciation period;
if the asset is partly used privately, indicate a realistic percentage of private use;
choose Individual as the supplier type;
specify in the description that this is a purchase made before the launch of your activity and explain how you determined the current value.
Your expense is now correctly recorded in your accounting.
You can therefore include all expenses incurred before the launch of your activity, as long as they are now used for professional purposes.
Starting a business already comes with enough challenges. Accounting should not become an additional burden. PIA Go! combines the simplicity of a digital tool with the support of experienced accountants. The platform is specifically designed for starting entrepreneurs and sole proprietors.
You benefit from an intuitive tool, while still being able to rely on expert advice whenever needed.
| Ready to get started with PIA Go!? |
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| Schedule a video consultation today and discover how simple accounting can be. |
Can you deduct expenses incurred before launching your sole proprietorship?
Yes. If you incurred professional expenses before your official start date, such as equipment or training, you can still record them provided they are now used for your activity. The expense must be recorded at its current value, not the original purchase price.
How do you determine the value of a purchase made before launch?
You can estimate the current value based on the second-hand market. If you cannot find a comparable reference, you can apply annual depreciation to the original price. For a laptop, about one third per year is generally a realistic estimate.
Can you recover VAT on expenses incurred before launch?
In most cases, no. VAT paid before the official start date of your activity can generally not be recovered. Exception: certain expenses directly linked to setting up your business may still allow VAT deduction.
How do you record pre-launch expenses in PIA Go!?
You record them via New purchase. You use the start date as the booking date, enter the current value and select 0% VAT. The supplier is set as Individual, since you are transferring the asset to yourself.
What if an asset is partly used privately?
You must indicate a realistic percentage of professional use. Only the professional portion is deductible.
Can you deduct training followed before launch?
Yes, provided it is directly related to your current activity. Select Services, apply 0% VAT and use the start date.
What if you bought software before launch?
Software, licences or subscriptions can also be included in your accounting. They must be recorded at their current value at the start date. Keep proof of payment or activation.
How do you record a laptop bought before launch?
Record it as an investment, with 0% VAT and an estimated value at the start date. Then apply a depreciation period based on its remaining useful life.
Why choose “Individual” as the supplier?
Because you are effectively transferring the asset to yourself into your business. No external supplier issued an invoice at the time of recording.
How does PIA Go! help you?
PIA Go! guides you step by step in recording pre-launch expenses. The platform helps determine VAT, value and depreciation. Your accountant is available if needed.
