Which of the following is included in operating expenses?

Operating expenses refer to the costs associated with the day-to-day functioning of a business, excluding costs that are directly tied to the production of goods and services, often classified under cost of goods sold (COGS). Training expenses fall under this category because they relate to the ongoing operational development of staff, enhancing their skills, and supporting the overall productivity of the organization.

Training expenses are crucial for maintaining an efficient workforce, thereby directly affecting the operational performance of a company. They are not tied to specific projects or capital expenditures but are instead part of maintaining the day-to-day operations necessary for running the business effectively.

On the other hand, interest expenses are classified separately as they pertain to the cost of financing, depreciation is a non-cash item representing the allocation of the cost of fixed assets over time, and tax payments are also separate as they relate to the obligations the business has to the government rather than routine operating costs.