For the meat served as part of such a sandwich, see Patty. For other uses, see Hamburger (disambiguation). A hamburger or burger is a sandwich consisting of one or more cooked patties of ground meat, usually beef, placed inside a sliced bread roll or bun. The patty may be pan fried, barbecued, or flame broiled.
DEFINITION of 'Capitalize'. An accounting method used to delay the recognition of expenses by recording the expense as long-term assets. In general, capitalizing expenses is beneficial as companies acquiring new assets with a long-term lifespan can spread out the cost over a specified period of time. Companies take expenses that they incur today and deduct them over the long term without an immediate negative affect against revenues. Next Up.
The cost of maintaining property or generating income. For federal income tax purposes, expenses are divided into four categories: Trade or business expenses, Expenses in connection with production of income, in connection with management, conservation, or maintenance of property held for production of income, expenses in connection with the determination, collection, or refund of any tax, and. Personal, family, or living expenses. Expenses in the first three categories are generally deductible in determining taxable income. Expenses in the fourth category are not deductible, except in a few cases (medical expenses, charitable contributions, etc.) in which they are specifically allowed by law.