This tool is designed to compute the amount owed based on legally mandated rates applied to outstanding debts or judgments. For instance, if a court awards a settlement but payment is delayed, this instrument calculates the incremental cost accrued due to the delay, using the jurisdictional interest rate set by law.
Its significance lies in ensuring fairness and just compensation. It provides a standardized method for calculating additional amounts due, preventing arbitrary charges and upholding the legal principle that creditors should be compensated for the time they are deprived of their funds. Historically, such calculations were often performed manually, leading to potential errors and disputes; this instrument minimizes such inconsistencies.