Which of the following statements best describes indirect costs?

Indirect costs are best described as costs that benefit multiple cost objectives. This is because indirect costs, such as overhead expenses, cannot be directly attributed to a single project, program, or objective. Instead, they support various activities within an organization and are necessary for overall functioning. Examples include utilities, rent, and administrative salaries, which are critical for multiple departments or project needs.

Additionally, these costs are allocated across different activities or projects based on some reasonable basis to ensure fairness in financial reporting and budgeting. This concept is fundamental in both government and nonprofit accounting, where understanding the distribution and allocation of costs is essential for effective financial management.

The other statements do not accurately capture the essence of indirect costs. While some costs might be incurred solely for administrative purposes or be excluded from certain categories, these characterizations don’t reflect the fundamental aspect of how indirect costs operate within multiple objectives.