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

# Direct Costs

> Record non-contract project costs like labor, materials, equipment, and reimbursements.

Direct Costs are project costs that are not tied to a subcontract or purchase order. Use them for in-house labor, small material purchases, equipment, mileage, and other reimbursable items.

## Open Direct Costs

1. Select the project.
2. Open **Direct Costs** from the sidebar.

## Create a Direct Cost

1. Select **Create Direct Cost**.
2. Choose the **Type** (labor, material, equipment, expense, other).
3. Enter the **Date**, **Vendor** (optional), **Cost Code**, and **Amount**.
4. Add a description and attach receipts or backup.
5. Save the entry.

## Categorization

Each direct cost rolls up to the project budget by cost code. The total appears in the budget's **Actual** column once approved.

## Status

* **Draft** — not yet finalized.
* **Submitted** — pending review.
* **Approved** — counted against the budget.
* **Rejected** — returned for revision.

## Bulk Import

For payroll or expense reports with many entries, use **Import** to upload a CSV with date, cost code, type, amount, and description columns. Review and approve the imported batch.

## Related Articles

* [Budget Overview](/help/articles/budget-overview)
* [Commitments](/help/articles/commitments)