Nachzahlen

Nachzahlen is a German term describing the act of paying an amount that was not settled by an initial payment, resulting in an outstanding balance. The related noun is Nachzahlung; the plural form is Nachzahlungen. It is used for payments made after a billing, wages, or estimate turns out to be insufficient or after a retroactive change in charges.

Common contexts

- Wages and salaries: retroactive pay adjustments or corrections after payroll processing, such as back pay following a wage increase or a corrected deduction.

- Bills, utilities, and rent: additional payments to settle costs that were underestimated or reassessed, for example after a heating or operatingCost reconciliation.

- Taxes and social contributions: tax assessments or revised contributions may require a Nachzahlung for amounts not paid in the original period.

- Insurance and subscriptions: premium adjustments or retroactive charges following policy changes.

Calculation and process

The creditor or administrator computes the amount due and issues an invoice or statement with the amount and a due date. If the calculation is unclear or disputed, there is usually a procedure to review it. In many cases, interest or late fees may apply if payment is delayed, and installment plans may be offered to ease settlement.

Consequences and rights

Timely payment typically avoids additional costs. Failure to pay Nachzahlungen can lead to late fees, collection actions, or impact on credit records in some systems. Consumers usually have the right to verify calculations and, if applicable, to appeal or seek a payment arrangement.

Relation to other terms

Nachzahlung is distinct from a Rückzahlung (refund) issued when an excess payment is returned to the payer. It also contrasts with Vorauszahlung (advance payment), which is paid before a service or period.