Home Resource A Quick Reference Guide: US Government Allowable vs Unallowable Costs

A Quick Reference Guide: US Government Allowable vs Unallowable Costs

Understanding what you can and cannot charge to a U.S. government award is not always straightforward. This quick reference guide distills the key rules from 2 CFR 200 Subpart E into a usable format for day-to-day decision-making.

Organized by cost category, it shows at a glance whether a cost is allowable, unallowable, or requires prior approval—covering areas such as compensation, travel, equipment, marketing, and more. It is designed for finance teams, program managers, and budget owners who need to review costs quickly and reduce compliance risk.

Use it as a working tool when building budgets, reviewing expenditures, or preparing for audits—while referring back to the full regulations for final interpretation.

 

Download the free guide