acconto

Acconto is a term used in Italian to denote a partial payment made before the full amount is due. It literally means “on account” and is commonly understood as a sum paid in advance that will be credited toward the total price or obligation.

In commercial practice, an acconto is often requested when goods are customized, large, or when a seller wants to secure production or reservation. The buyer pays a portion of the price at the time of order, and the remaining balance (saldo) becomes due at delivery, completion, or upon invoicing of the final amount. The exact terms, including the amount, timing, and what happens if the contract is canceled, are defined in the agreement between the parties.

Legal and contractual aspects emphasize that an acconto should be clearly specified in writing. It can be refundable or non-refundable depending on the terms of the contract and applicable law. If the contract is terminated, the acconto may be returned, kept as compensation, or adjusted according to agreed penalties or conditions.

In accounting and taxation, the term also appears in contexts such as advance payments of taxes (for example, acconti for income tax or value-added tax). These advances reduce the amount payable later, with a final settlement (saldo) due after the annual assessment. Calculations for acconti in taxation are typically based on previous year’s figures or forecasted liability, with adjustments possible at the saldo stage.

Overall, an acconto serves as a financial mechanism to allocate risk, secure performance, and manage cash flows in both commerce and taxation.