Særfradrag

Særfradrag, or special deduction, is a category of tax deductions in the Norwegian personal income tax system. It is designed to recognize and alleviate specific burdens or circumstances that are not covered by the standard deduction. The deduction reduces the taxpayer’s taxable income, thereby lowering the overall tax liability.

The precise types and amounts of særfradrag are determined by law and annual regulations. Some særfradrag are automatic for taxpayers who meet predefined criteria, while others require documentation or applications to the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten). The rules and eligibility can vary from year to year, and the availability of certain deductions may depend on personal circumstances such as family situation, disability, or caregiving responsibilities.

A commonly cited example is the særfradrag for enslige forsørgere (special deduction for single parents), which recognizes the additional financial burden of providing for children alone. Beyond this and other clearly defined categories, særfradrag can cover a range of conditions and situations that Parliament or regulatory authorities deem worthy of tax relief.

Claiming these deductions typically occurs during the annual tax return process. Taxpayers must assess whether they qualify and, if required, provide supporting documentation. The effect of særfradrag is to lower taxable income, which reduces the tax payable according to the applicable tax rates. For specific eligibility, amounts, and procedures, reference to Skatteetaten’s guidelines or consulting a tax professional is advised.