Oikaisumenettely

Oikaisumenettely refers to an administrative procedure in Finland, primarily used in taxation and social benefits, that allows an individual or entity to request a correction or review of a decision made by an authority. This process is initiated when a party believes a decision is incorrect, incomplete, or unlawful. It is a form of administrative appeal, distinct from a formal judicial review.

The purpose of oikaisumenettely is to provide a swift and less formal way to rectify errors before potentially escalating the matter to a higher administrative court. It is often a prerequisite for further appeals. The request for correction, known as a "valituskirjelmä" or "ojasupyyntö," must be submitted within a specified timeframe, typically 30 days from the date the decision was received.

When an oikaisumenettely request is filed, the original decision-making authority reviews its own decision. They may uphold the original decision, amend it, or in some cases, withdraw it entirely. The authority must provide a reasoned explanation for their decision on the correction request. If the party is still dissatisfied with the outcome of the oikaisumenettely, they generally have the right to appeal the decision to the relevant administrative court. This procedural step is crucial for ensuring administrative fairness and accuracy in Finnish public administration.