Classify four purchases under the updated capitalization policy

About this exercise

You're closing the month and need to classify 4 purchases under the company's capitalization policy. You want one numbered line per purchase, under 50 words total, each starting Capitalize, Expense, or Policy doesn't say, then the rule in parentheses. Apply the 2026 threshold update, use only the policy text, plain text, nothing else.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• Using the old threshold. The $2,500 threshold appears in the policy text, and the AI may miss the update. Try: Say: "Apply the Jan 2026 update: threshold is $5,000."
• Applying outside rules. The AI knows accounting standards and may classify the lease-back from general rules, not your policy. Try: Add: "Use only the policy. If it doesn't cover a case, write Policy doesn't say."
• Skipping the subscription rule. The $6,000 price is over the threshold, so the AI may capitalize it without checking C3. Try: Add: "Check every rule for each purchase."
• Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for a total word limit and it often lands 10-20% over. Try: Cap each line: "each line under 8 words."
• Getting markdown back. AI defaults to bold labels and headings, which show up as stray symbols in the close checklist. Try: Ask for "plain text, no bold, no headings."

What a strong prompt includes

• Gives exact labels
• Applies the update
• Keeps to the policy
• Sets a length limit
• Asks for plain text

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