stichtag

Stichtag is a German term used across law, administration, and finance to denote a reference date that determines eligibility, entitlements, or the scope of a calculation. It functions as a cut-off point beyond which changes do not affect the outcome.

In practice, the Stichtag is established by statute, contract, policy, or administrative rule and can vary by context. It is not a universal fixed date; it reflects the specific aim of a rule or process.

Common applications include: legal deadlines for filing or claims; calculation of pension or social security benefits based on income or status as of the Stichtag; tax assessments and reporting periods; determining dividend entitlement or share allocation in corporate actions; and eligibility criteria in employment, insurance, or data management (for example, data included up to a Stichtag).

Examples: A pension plan may use Stichtag 31 December of a given year to measure years of service. A stock dividend may be allocated to holders on the Stichtag and paid to those recorded on the books that day. In civil proceedings, the court may fix a Stichtag for evidence or valuation.

In German-language usage, Stichtag is synonymous with cut-off date, reference date, or effective date. The term is widely used in administrative, legal, financial, and corporate contexts.