Ohio Code § 1702.55
Ohio Code § 1702.55. Reproduced from the official Ohio Revised Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.
§ 1702.55.
(A) The members, the directors, and the officers of a corporation shall not be personally
liable for any obligation of the corporation. (B) In addition to any other liabilities imposed by law upon directors of a corporation
and except as provided in division (D) of this section, directors shall be jointly
and severally liable to the corporation as provided in division (C) of this section
if they vote for or assent to any of the following: (1) A distribution of assets to members contrary to law or the articles; (2) A distribution of assets to persons other than creditors during the winding up of
the affairs of the corporation, on dissolution or otherwise, without the payment of
all known obligations of the corporation, or without making adequate provision therefor; (3) The making of loans, other than in the usual conduct of its affairs or in accordance
with provisions therefor in the articles, to an officer or director of the corporation
other than if, at the time of the making of the loan, a majority of the disinterested
directors of the corporation voted for the loan and, taking into account the terms
and provisions of the loan and other relevant factors, determined that the making
of the loan could reasonably be expected to benefit the corporation. (C)(1) In cases under division (B)(1) of this section, up to the amount of such distribution
in excess of the amount that could have been distributed without violation of law
or the articles, but not in excess of the amount that would inure to the benefit of
the creditors of the corporation if it was insolvent at the time of the distribution
or there was reasonable ground to believe that by such action it would be rendered
insolvent, or to the benefit of the members other than members of the class in respect
of which the distribution was made; (2) In cases under division (B)(2) of this section, to the extent that such obligations
(not otherwise barred by statute) are not paid, or for the payment of which adequate
provision has not been made; (3) In cases under division (B)(3) of this section, for the amount of the loan with interest
thereon at the rate specified in section 1343.03 of the Revised Code until the amount has been paid. (D) A director shall not be liable under divisions (B)(1) and (C)(1) or divisions (B)(2)
and (C)(2) of this section if in determining the amount available for any such distribution,
the director in good faith relied on a financial statement of the corporation prepared
by an officer or employee of the corporation in charge of its accounts or certified
by a public accountant or firm of public accountants, or in good faith the director
considered the assets to be of their book value, or the director followed what the
director believed to be sound accounting and business practice. (E) A director who is present at a meeting of the directors or a committee thereof at
which action on any matter is authorized or taken and who has not voted for or against
such action shall be presumed to have voted for the action unless the director's written
dissent therefrom is filed either during the meeting or within a reasonable time after
the adjournment thereof, with the person acting as secretary of the meeting or with
the secretary of the corporation. (F) A member who knowingly receives any distribution made contrary to law or the articles
shall be liable to the corporation for the amount received by the member that is in
excess of the amount that could have been distributed without violation of law or
the articles. (G) A director against whom a claim is asserted under or pursuant to this section and
who is held liable thereon shall be entitled to contribution, on equitable principles,
from other directors who also are liable; and in addition, any director against whom
a claim is asserted under or pursuant to this section or who is held liable shall
have a right of contribution from the members who knowingly received any distribution
made contrary to law or the articles, and such members as among themselves shall also
be entitled to contribution in proportion to the amounts received by them respectively. (H) The fact that a loan is made in violation of this section does not affect the borrower's
liability on the loan. (I) No action shall be brought by or on behalf of a corporation upon any cause of action
arising under division (B)(1) or (2) of this section at any time after two years from
the day on which the violation occurs. (J) Nothing contained in this section shall preclude any creditor whose claim is unpaid
from exercising such rights as the creditor otherwise would have by law to enforce
the creditor's claim against assets of the corporation distributed to members or other
persons.
Source: official Ohio text · Last verified 2026-08-27
At a glance
- Citation: Ohio Revised Code § 1702.55
- Jurisdiction: Ohio
- Code: Ohio Revised Code
- Text: transcribed from the official source (verify below)
Verify the text
Statute text is transcribed from the official Ohio Revised Code. Confirm it against the primary source before relying on it:
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed Ohio attorney.
Common questions
What is the source of Ohio Revised Code § 1702.55?
The text above is transcribed from the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutes of Ohio. The official publisher link appears under "Verify the text" on this page.
What subject does Ohio Revised Code § 1702.55 address?
It addresses the rule set out in the section text. Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.
Is Ohio Revised Code § 1702.55 still in force?
Statutes are amended, repealed, and renumbered every session. Confirm the current version at the official Ohio source before relying on this text.
Can this page be used as legal advice?
No. This is a reference transcription for research. Applying Ohio law to your facts requires a licensed Ohio attorney who can review the specifics.