Recurring expenses are the ones repeated from time to time. These are the forecasted expenses/cash outflows reflected in the budget. On the other hand, non-recurring expenses are one-time or in-frequent expenses (may not be in the budget), which may be challenging to predict.
Please note that the only difference between recurring and non-recurring expenses is in terms of frequency, while accounting treatment, presentation, and other details remain exactly the same.
Examples of recurring expenses
- Electricity & telephone bills.
- Office and warehouse rentals.
- Monthly salaries of employees.
- Subscription charges.
- Interest expense on the outstanding loan.
Examples of non-recurring expenses
- Sudden repair is required in the production machine.
- Damages paid due to court order.
- Unplanned business travel expenses.
- Cost of switching the office.

Conclusion
A recurring expense is one that occurs frequently and is incurred in each accounting period. These expenses can be forecasted/predicted in the business budget.
Examples of recurring expenses include electricity & telephone bills, subscription charges, and salaries, etc.
Non-recurring expenses are one-off expenses that are not incurred frequently and are not usually part of the budget.
Examples of non-recurring expenses include sudden repair & maintenance charges, the cost of switching the office, and damages paid due to court order etc.
Daniyal is passionate about simplifying complex accounting concepts, Founded Accounting with Clarity to share practical insights, technical guidance, and real-world finance advice that empower professionals and business owners to make informed decisions with confidence.
