Do Prepaid Expenses Require Zakat?

No, prepaid expenses do not require Zakat.

Understanding the nature of prepaid expenses is important when determining whether they are subject to Zakat. 

Here are the key points to keep in mind:

• Definition of Prepaid Expenses:
  Prepaid expenses refer to amounts paid in advance for goods or services that will be received in the future. 

Examples include:

• Rent paid ahead of time
• Insurance premiums
• Subscriptions or services paid in advance

• Ownership and Control of Wealth:
  Zakat is due on wealth that is:
• In one’s possession
• Available for use or benefit
  Prepaid expenses do not meet these criteria because the money is paid for a future service or product.
• Why Prepaid Expenses Aren’t Zakatable:
• Once you pay for a service in advance, the amount is no longer under your control and is no longer available for immediate use.
• It is essentially a future obligation, not wealth that remains in your possession to be used at will.
• The Key Principle:
  Zakat is only due on assets that remain in your ownership and are capable of generating value. Prepaid expenses are considered non-liquid and tied up in future obligations, so they are not eligible for Zakat.

Thus, prepaid expenses are not subject to Zakat because they are not part of your available wealth. 

And Allah knows best!