Pennsylvania § 7719 - Unlawful dividends.

Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7719 — Unlawful dividends., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 7719. Unlawful dividends.

(a) Insolvency.--For shares of the corporation other than membership shares, the board of directors may declare and the corporation may pay dividends on its outstanding shares except when the corporation is insolvent or the payment would render the corporation insolvent. If a dividend is paid, the directors under whose administration the payment was made, except those who have caused their dissent to be entered on the minutes of the meeting at which the action was authorized and those who, being absent at the time, have promptly filed their written objection with the secretary of the corporation upon learning of the action, shall be jointly and severally liable to the corporation in an amount equal to the amount of the unlawful dividend.

(b) Reliance on financial statements.--A director is not liable under this section if the director relied and acted in good faith upon financial statements of the corporation represented to be correct by the president of the corporation or by the officer having charge of the corporation's books of account or upon written reports, issued by an independent public or certified public accountant, which fairly purports to reflect the financial condition of the corporation.

(c) Liability to corporation.--If an unlawful dividend is paid, each stockholder is liable to the corporation in an amount equal to the amount of the unlawful dividend to the stockholder. An action to enforce this liability must be brought within two years from the date of the receipt of the dividend.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 7719

What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7719 cover?

Section 7719 ("Unlawful dividends.") 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 § 7719?

A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7719" (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 § 7719 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.