backdated

Backdated refers to something dated earlier than the actual date on which it was created or occurred. The term comes from back and date; it describes documents, payments, orders, or contracts that bear a past calendar date instead of the true date of preparation.

Common contexts include payroll corrections, invoices, or letters to reflect the timing of events. In legitimate use, backdating may reflect a retroactive adjustment or an officially retroactive law or policy. In everyday practice, backdating should be clearly disclosed and conform to applicable rules to avoid misrepresentation or improper use.

However, backdating is frequently controversial and can be illegal or unethical if used to deceive, evade obligations, or gain an improper advantage. Examples include dating stock option grants earlier to set a favorable exercise price, or dating a contract before the actual agreement was reached. Such practices can violate securities laws, employment laws, or contract terms and may incur penalties, invalidate documents, or lead to civil or criminal liability.

Backdating is distinct from postdating, where the date is later than the actual date, and from retroactive effects, where a law or policy applies to actions that occurred in the past regardless of the document date.

Ethical and legal standards emphasize accuracy and transparency; organizations often implement governance controls and audit trails to prevent improper backdating.