Pennsylvania § 5551 - Dividends prohibited; compensation and certain payments authorized.

Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5551 — Dividends prohibited; compensation and certain payments authorized., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5551. Dividends prohibited; compensation and certain payments authorized.

(a) General rule.--A nonprofit corporation shall not pay dividends or distribute any part of its income or profits to its members, directors, or officers. Nothing herein contained shall prohibit a fraternal benefit society operating under the insurance laws of Pennsylvania from paying dividends or refunds by whatever name known pursuant to the terms of its insurance contracts.

(b) Reasonable compensation for services.--A nonprofit corporation may pay compensation in a reasonable amount to members, directors, or officers for services rendered.

(c) Certain payments authorized.--A nonprofit corporation may confer benefits upon members or nonmembers in conformity with its purposes, may repay capital contributions, and may redeem its subvention certificates or evidences of indebtedness, as authorized by this article, except when the corporation is currently insolvent or would thereby be made insolvent or rendered unable to carry on its corporate purposes, or when the fair value of the assets of the corporation remaining after such conferring of benefits, payment or redemption would be insufficient to meet its liabilities. A nonprofit corporation may make distributions of cash or property to members upon dissolution or final liquidation as permitted by this article.

(July 30, 1975, P.L.128, No.63; July 9, 2013, P.L.476, No.67, eff. 60 days)

2013 Amendment. Act 67 reenacted section 5551.

Cross References. Section 5551 is referred to in sections 5545, 7112 of this title.

Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 5551

What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5551 cover?

Section 5551 ("Dividends prohibited; compensation and certain payments authorized.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Pennsylvania § 5551?

A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5551" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.

How does Pennsylvania § 5551 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.