Define: Abatement

Abatement
Abatement
Quick Summary of Abatement

Abatement refers to the reduction, elimination, or removal of something undesirable or problematic. In legal contexts, abatement often refers to actions taken to remedy nuisances, violations, or hazards that affect property or the environment. For example, in property law, abatement may involve measures to address a building code violation or to eliminate a public nuisance such as noise pollution or an unsightly structure. Abatement can also refer to the reduction or cancellation of debts, taxes, or penalties owed by an individual or entity, often through negotiation, settlement, or legal proceedings. Overall, abatement aims to rectify issues, mitigate risks, and restore compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

What is the dictionary definition of Abatement?
Dictionary Definition of Abatement

Noun: the action of being abated or abating: subsiding or ending.

Law: the removal or reduction of a nuisance.

A reduction. After a death, abatement occurs if the deceased person didn’t leave enough property to fulfill all the bequests made in the will and meet other expenses. Gifts left in the will are cut back in order to pay taxes, satisfy debts or take care of other gifts that are given priority under law or by the will itself. (often in legal use) the ending, reduction, or lessening of something.

  1. The act of abating, or the state of being abated; a lessening, diminution, or reduction; a moderation; removal or putting an end to; the suppression of.
  2. The amount abated; that which is taken away by way of reduction; deduction; decrease; a rebate or discount allowed; in particular from a tax.
  3. heraldry A mark of dishonour on an escutcheon; any figure added to the coat of arms tending to lower the dignity or station of the bearer.
Full Definition Of Abatement

Abatement refers to a reprieve from or reduction in debt, tax or other payment obligation faced by an individual or company.

The most common form of abatement is tax abatement.

Tax abatement is also an incentive utilised by cities to encourage the redevelopment of distressed areas by providing real property tax abatement and eminent domain. Another type of abatement is related to the payment of rent. If a building is destroyed by fire, water damage or another accident, a renter is usually granted abatement from making rental payments.

A lesser-known form of abatement is penalty abatement, commonly associated with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Penalty abatement can help an individual or business reduce or eliminate an IRS penalty and/or interest. To request penalty abatement from the IRS, certain requirements must be met.

For example, penalty abatement might be granted if a business or individual is able to prove reasonable cause as to why they were unable to meet their tax obligations.

  1. Commerce: Reduction in the amount of a bill or charge such as demurrage, overtime penalty, or rent.
  2. Environment: Elimination or reduction of polluting or hazardous substances (such as asbestos) by either removing them completely or lessening their effect through better waste management.
  3. Legal: Suspension of court action, or bringing it to a close before the final decision.
  4. Taxation: Rebate given in levies or taxes under special circumstances, such as in the aftermath of natural disasters.

To reduce the intensity, amount or degree of a given activity.

Abatement is also used to describe the reduction of the emission of pollutants in environmental economics.

Technical abatement is a term used when referring to measures which involve production activities of businesses, for example, an introduction of a new, or an amendment to an existing process or technology.

Behavioural abatement is the changing of behaviours of consumers, or the changing of lifestyles in the customers.

Abatement FAQ'S
Related Phrases
Definition Sources

Definitions for Abatement are sourced/syndicated and enhanced from:

  • A Dictionary of Economics (Oxford Quick Reference)
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Accounting
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Business & Management

This glossary post was last updated: 6th March, 2024.

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