Which of the following is generally categorized as an administrative expense in accounting?

Administrative expenses refer to the costs associated with the general operation of a business that are not directly tied to a specific function such as production or sales. These expenses often include costs incurred in administration, management, and office functions.

Accountant fees fall into this category because they are costs associated with obtaining professional services for financial reporting, tax preparation, and compliance, which are essential for the administrative functions of a business. The expenses incurred in hiring accountants are necessary for maintaining proper financial records and ensuring the company adheres to legal requirements.

In contrast, doubtful debts rates, donations, and bad debts typically represent different types of expenses. Doubtful debts involve estimations related to uncollectible accounts and are not purely administrative but linked to credit-related decisions. Donations are considered charitable contributions and often do not directly relate to administrative operations. Bad debt is an expense that arises from accounts receivable that are deemed uncollectible and is more closely associated with credit risk and collections rather than the general administration of the business.