Gældsstyrelsen letter explained in English
Public debt collection agency. Collects debts you owe to public bodies, for example unpaid tax, fines, child support or fees.
Letters you may get
- Brev om gæld — what you owe to public bodies
- Varsel om lønindeholdelse — part of your salary will be taken
- Modregning — a refund was used to pay your debt
What to do
- Ask for an afdragsordning (payment plan) if you can’t pay — it can lower or stop lønindeholdelse.
- You can see your public debts on gaeldst.dk with MitID.
- Find the deadline. Look for “senest”, “inden”, “frist”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“klage”, “indsigelse”, “anke”). See the template.
Words you may see
- MitID
- Your digital ID for logging in to public and bank websites.
- lønindeholdelse
- Part of your salary is taken to pay a public debt.
- modregning
- Money you should get, for example a tax refund, is used to pay a debt.
- afdragsordning
- A plan to pay a debt in monthly parts.
Questions
What is the Gældsstyrelsen?
Public debt collection agency. Collects debts you owe to public bodies, for example unpaid tax, fines, child support or fees.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the Gældsstyrelsen?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “senest”, “inden”, “frist” — they mark the deadline. In Denmark, a letter in Digital Post usually counts as received when it arrives in your mailbox. Paper letters take a few days. Briefly adds about 2 days — check the date in Digital Post or on the envelope. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“klage”, “indsigelse”, “anke”).
Can I read a Gældsstyrelsen letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in Danish. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in Denmark
Skattestyrelsen (Skat) · Udbetaling Danmark · Kommunen (Borgerservice) · Jobcenter · A-kasse · SIRI / Udlændingestyrelsen · Politiet · Byret / Fogedretten