Pennsylvania § 5553 - Liabilities of members.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5553 — Liabilities of members., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5553. Liabilities of members.
(a) General rule.--A member of a nonprofit corporation shall not be liable, solely by reason of being a member, under an order of a court or in any other manner for a debt, obligation or liability of the corporation of any kind or for the acts of any member or representative of the corporation.
(b) Obligations of member to corporation.--A member shall be liable to the corporation only to the extent of any unpaid portion of the capital contributions, membership dues or assessments which the corporation may have lawfully imposed upon him, or for any other indebtedness owed by him to the corporation. No action shall be brought by any creditor of the corporation to reach and apply any such liability to any debt of the corporation until after:
(1) final judgment has been rendered against the corporation in favor of the creditor and execution thereon returned unsatisfied;
(2) a case involving the corporation has been brought under 11 U.S.C. Ch. 7 (relating to liquidation) and a distribution has been made and the case closed or a notice of no assets has been issued; or
(3) a receiver has been appointed with power to collect debts, and the receiver, on demand of a creditor to bring an action thereon, has refused to sue for the unpaid amount, or the corporation has been dissolved or ceased its activities leaving debts unpaid.
(c) Action by a creditor.--An action by a creditor under subsection (b) shall not be brought more than three years after the happening of the first to occur of the events listed in subsection (b)(1) through (3).
(June 22, 2001, P.L.418, No.34, eff. 60 days; July 9, 2013, P.L.476, No.67, eff. 60 days)
2013 Amendment. Act 67 renumbered and amended former section 5553 to section 5554 and renumbered former section 5552 to section 5553.
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 5553
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5553 cover?
Section 5553 ("Liabilities of members.") 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 § 5553?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5553" (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 § 5553 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.