Free - is it a gift?

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:41

Even business correspondence does not save you from possible misunderstanding, especially if someone deliberately misuses some words. For example, free of charge - is it really completely free or do you need to perform some actions? There are variations in the interpretation of this word in a commercial application, so it is worth clarifying the nuances before signing or agreeing in principle to any transaction.

Meaning of the word and interpretations

In this case, we are not talking about retribution, in the sense of “revenge”, but about reimbursement of the cost of something. Therefore, free of charge is really a gift, as the Owl from the Winnie the Pooh cartoon once very succinctly explained. In the vast majority of cases, this refers to the transfer of ownership or free use of any property. In some cases, legal confirmation is necessary, the conclusion of an agreement.

Free - is it free?

If we consider the issue through the prism of commerce, we can reveal a rather free interpretation of this word. Often they are manipulated in order to create a positive image or for some other purpose. For example, a company claims thatcompletely free of charge provides material values for the use of a local school. Let's say we're talking about computers. If you argue that it is free of charge, the school should not pay for such a valuable gift. Is the firm really not making a profit out of what it does? In fact, this is an advertisement, depending on some nuances, the company may also receive tax benefits.

In the vast majority of cases, the law prohibits the transfer of gratuitous property to the founders, owners or shareholders of the company, this can be regarded as a financial fraud. It is also worth remembering that when receiving property for free use, through which profit is made, the recipient is obliged to pay tax.