CIVICS

ad hoc

This phrases mean “for this purpose only.” Its literal translation from the Latin is “to this.”

Common examples are an ad hoc committee or an ad hoc commission created for a specific or one-time purpose to address issues that fall outside...

Ad valorem translated directly from Latin, means "according to [the] value [of something].” In practical use, the term is used in taxation to designate taxes levied against property, real or personal, at a certain rate based upon the property...

ad valorem tax

Ad valorem is a Latin phrase that translates to “according to the value.”

The essential characteristic of ad valorem tax is that it is proportional to the value of the underlying asset, unlike a specific tax, where the tax...

ADA

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. It was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA is also falls under the...

ADEA

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) was issued in 1967 and signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson and prohibits discrimination on the basis of age. While the Act permits certain age distinctions, it prohibits...

adequate and independent state grounds

Adequate and independent state grounds refers to the standard used by the Supreme Court to determine if it will hear a case from a state court. The Supreme Court will hear a case from a state court only if the state court judgment is...

adequate remedy

An adequate remedy is one that affords complete relief with reference to the particular matter in controversy, and which is appropriate given the circumstances of the case. An adequate remedy has also been described as a remedy that is...

adjusted basis

Adjusted basis is the cost basis of an asset adjusted for various events during its ownership. It is usually used to calculate an owner’s capital gain or loss for income tax purposes when the property is sold, or to calculate an inheritor’s...

adjusted gross income (AGI)

Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is defined as the gross income earned by an individual minus several adjustments made to that income, such as trade and business deductions. Gross income is the income earned by an individual, including the wage...

adjustment

Adjustment is a settlement, allowance, or deduction made on a debt or claim that has been objected to by a debtor or creditor in order to establish an equitable arrangement between the parties.

For tax returns, an IRS-...