Here's why:
* Tetrabutylammonium ([(CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂)₄N]⁺) is a cation with a +1 charge.
* Iodide (I⁻) is an anion with a -1 charge.
* To form a neutral compound, the charges must balance. Therefore, the iodine must have a -1 oxidation state.