indebido

Indebido is an adjective in Spanish that describes something not due, not rightful, improper, or unauthorized. It is used to refer to payments, rights, or actions that do not correspond to what is legally owed, contracted, or permitted. The term appears in legal, financial, and administrative language to signal that a given item or entitlement is not justified by law or agreement.

Etymology and usage: Indebido comes from in- (not) + debido (owed or due), ultimately from Latin debitum. Related expressions include dinero indebido (undue money) and pago indebido (undue payment). The word is commonly used to qualify transactions, fees, or entitlements that must be corrected or revoked.

In law and finance: A pago indebido is a payment made without obligation or in excess of what is due, and typically the recipient is required to return the surplus, subject to applicable rules or statutes. The concept also covers intereses indebidos (undue interest) or other improper charges, which may be regulated by contract or law and may give rise to restitution or adjustment. Administrative and tax contexts may use the term to denote irregular subsidies, reimbursements, or credits that lack a valid basis.

Examples: If a client is charged twice for a single purchase, the extra amount is dinero indebido and should be refunded. If a government subsidy is granted without legal basis, it could be considered indebido and subject to withdrawal or reallocation.

See also: pago indebido, devolución, interés indebido, restitución.