What is Consumer Interest Expense? A Legal Perspective
Definition & Meaning
Consumer interest expense refers to the costs incurred by individuals on personal debts, including credit card balances, auto loans, and other forms of consumer credit. These expenses represent the interest charged on borrowed funds and are typically not tax-deductible.
Legal Use & context
This term is commonly used in personal finance and consumer law. It is relevant in contexts involving debt management, bankruptcy proceedings, and financial planning. Individuals may encounter consumer interest expenses when managing personal budgets or when seeking legal advice regarding debt relief options. Users can find helpful legal templates on US Legal Forms to assist with managing these expenses effectively.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: An individual with a credit card balance of $5,000 at an interest rate of 20 percent incurs a consumer interest expense of $1,000 over the course of a year.
Example 2: A person who finances a new car with a $20,000 auto loan at a 5 percent interest rate will pay approximately $1,000 in interest over the first year (hypothetical example).