Across Europe, the way companies record everyday costs such as client gifts, hospitality, or branded materials plays an important role in their tax position. The distinction between advertising and representation exists in most tax systems, but how it is applied can differ. In Slovakia, the Income Tax Act provides a clear framework for this classification, and understanding it can help businesses avoid errors in both accounting and taxation.
In this article, ETL SLOVAKIA highlights how Slovak rules interpret typical business expenses and why this distinction remains a recurring issue for many organisations. While advertising costs may, under certain conditions, reduce the tax base, representation expenses generally cannot. The difference might seem subtle, yet it can have a measurable impact on financial reporting and compliance.