coactivo

Coactivo is a Spanish adjective that describes something related to coercion or enforcement by an authority. In legal and administrative contexts, it is used for mechanisms that compel compliance with duties, such as the payment of debts or fines, through legally sanctioned means. The term derives from Latin coactum, meaning forced or compelled.

In administrative law, a procedimiento coactivo, or coercive collection procedure, is the streamlined process by which a public administration collects debts when the debtor does not voluntarily pay after notification. The procedure typically begins with a formal notice and a deadline for voluntary payment; if payment is not made, the administration may adopt coercive measures such as attachment of assets, seizure and sale of property, or garnishment of wages or bank accounts. Coactive measures are designed to be efficient but are subject to procedural safeguards to prevent abuse.

In fiscal and tax administration, the term coactivo is common to describe the collection of unpaid taxes, fines, or public charges by the tax authority. While the specifics vary by jurisdiction, the authority generally has powers to impose levies and penalties, place liens, and enforce payment through coercive means after due process and proper notification.

The use of coactivo varies across Spanish-speaking countries but consistently denotes enforcement-backed collection rather than voluntary compliance. Related concepts include coacción (coercion), embargo (seizure), and ejecución fiscal (tax enforcement).