Skattaskyldur

Skattaskyldur refers to the legal obligation to pay taxes to the government under tax law. It applies to individuals, corporations, and other entities and arises from activities such as earning income, owning property, selling goods or services, inheriting or receiving capital gains, or engaging in other taxable transactions. In Iceland, the tax authority Skatturinn administers the collection of taxes and determines each taxpayer's liability through self-assessment, withholding, and official assessments.

An amount of skattaskyldur is determined by applying statutory tax rates, allowances, deductions, and credits to the taxpayer's taxable base. Income tax, value-added tax (VAT), and property taxes are common examples, but liability may also arise from capital gains, payroll taxes, and other levies. Taxpayers typically file tax returns and make payments according to deadlines set by the tax authority; employees may have withholding at source, while self-employed individuals and businesses make periodic estimated payments.

Failure to meet tax obligations can lead to penalties, interest on overdue amounts, and enforcement actions such as liens or garnishment. Tax authorities generally provide avenues to appeal assessments, request corrections, or seek relief in cases of error or hardship. The concept of skattaskyldur thus encompasses both the duty to report and to pay taxes and the remedies available to correct or contest liabilities within the framework of the tax system.