Afdráttur

Afdráttur is an Icelandic term that translates to "deduction" or "remittance" in English. It broadly refers to any amount subtracted from a larger sum. This concept appears in various contexts within Icelandic society, most notably in finance and taxation.

In the realm of personal finance, afdráttur can refer to deductions from an individual's salary. These might include income tax, social security contributions, pension fund payments, or union dues. Employers are legally obligated to withhold these amounts from an employee's gross salary and remit them to the relevant authorities or institutions. The net salary received by the employee is the gross salary minus all applicable afdráttur.

Taxation is a significant area where afdráttur plays a crucial role. Individuals and businesses are entitled to certain deductions from their taxable income, reducing the overall tax liability. These deductions can be for expenses incurred in earning income, such as business expenses for companies, or for personal circumstances, like mortgage interest or charitable donations for individuals, though specific rules and limitations apply.

Beyond employment and taxation, the term afdráttur can also be used in other financial transactions. For instance, it might refer to a discount applied to a purchase price or a portion of a payment that is set aside or withheld for a specific purpose. The core idea remains consistent: a reduction from an original or stated amount. Understanding afdráttur is therefore fundamental to comprehending financial statements and personal budgeting in Iceland.