Kvittun

by Gunnar Birgisson

Icelandic Roots welcomes a new guest writer, Gunnar Birgisson. He offers his thoughts about an interesting Icelandic word.

Photo Credit: Jeff Pamer, Flickr

In Iceland, when you need some home repairs by a plumber, electrician, carpenter or specialist, there's always a special moment at the end of the visit.  He may have fixed a leaky pipe or installed some hanging cabinets while you hovered nervously nearby.  But at the end he will show you the repair he did, ensure you are satisfied, and wrap up his work.  As he gathers his tools, he will shoot you a glance or two to evaluate the situation. 

You poke around to verify again that the problem has been solved, perhaps once again resolving to become more handy around the house or just feeling grateful you found someone to help you out.  Perhaps the two of you are alternatively discussing the issue that was resolved and engaging in some small talk, the weather or something else.  Measuring each other up.

Then you ask what the charges will be.  Without mentioning a number, the worker will look at you to ensure this isn't a trap, then hem and haw a little bit.  Then, if you don´t say the magic word yourself, he will casually ask if you need a kvittun—a receipt.

He’s not just talking about a piece of paper. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge. The rate is lower without the kvittun, so the job is off the books for everyone.  Both parties will come out ahead.  The customer pays less, and the repairman earns tax-free revenue.  Everyone likes to have more money, and omitting the paper trail is an easy step—one taken quite frequently by Icelanders.

But this question of whether you need a kvittun raises some mighty questions:

Shall we conspire in cheating our country’s tax authorities?

Shall we undermine the civic system in which we both thrive? 

Shall we deprive the government of the revenues it needs to maintain the social system we all rely on and wish was even stronger?  The health care system always seems starved for funds; the schools need more aid; the infrastructure needs enhancing.  We all complain that these important things are underfunded.   

It's a momentous decision for us both.  It seems the whole system hangs in balance. 

What would you choose?