> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.smartbills.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Split an Expense

> Split a single expense across multiple categories or departments

## Overview

Sometimes a single receipt covers multiple expense types. A dinner with a client might include both client entertainment and team meals, or a supply order may span two departments. Splitting lets you allocate portions of an expense to different categories or departments while keeping everything attached to one receipt.

## How to Split an Expense

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Expense">
    Navigate to **Expenses** in the sidebar and click on the expense you want to split.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click the Split Button">
    In the expense detail view, click the **Split** button. This opens the split editor, which shows the full expense amount at the top and an area to define individual split lines below.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Split Lines">
    Define how you want to divide the expense:

    1. Click **Add Line** to create a new split entry
    2. Enter the **amount** for this portion
    3. Select a **category** from the dropdown
    4. Optionally assign a **department**
    5. Repeat for each portion

    **Example**: A \$100.00 dinner receipt split into two lines:

    | Amount  | Category             | Department  |
    | ------- | -------------------- | ----------- |
    | \$60.00 | Client Entertainment | Sales       |
    | \$40.00 | Team Meals           | Engineering |
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify the Total">
    The split editor shows a running total of all lines. This total must match the original expense amount exactly. If there is a discrepancy, adjust your line amounts until the total balances.

    <Warning>
      You cannot save a split if the line totals do not equal the original expense amount.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save the Split">
    Once the total matches, click **Save**. The expense now displays its split breakdown in the detail view and in any reports it is added to.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Check>
  Your expense is now split. Each line carries its own category and department for accurate financial reporting.
</Check>

## Editing a Split

To modify an existing split:

1. Open the expense and click **Edit Split**
2. Adjust amounts, categories, or departments on any line
3. Add or remove lines as needed
4. Verify the total still matches
5. Click **Save**

## Removing a Split

To revert a split back to a single-line expense:

1. Open the expense and click **Edit Split**
2. Remove all lines except one
3. Set the remaining line amount to the full expense total
4. Click **Save**

## What's Next?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Categorize Expenses" icon="tags" href="/guides/web-app/expenses/categorize-expense">
    Learn about categories and auto-categorization
  </Card>

  <Card title="Create an Expense Report" icon="file-invoice" href="/guides/web-app/reports/create-report">
    Add your split expenses to a report
  </Card>
</CardGroup>