osuusmak

Osuusmak is a term rarely used on its own in Finnish financial and cooperative language; more common is the related word osuuskunnan osuusmaksu, meaning the share capital or membership contribution paid by a person or entity to a cooperative. When used, osuusmak generally refers to the same concept: a one-time payment that establishes the buyer as a member with an equity stake in the cooperative.

Definition and purpose

An osuusmaksu represents a member’s ownership in the cooperative, not a debt owed to the cooperative. The funds are used as working capital and to finance the cooperative’s activities. The exact amount and structure are defined in the cooperative’s statutes and rules, and the payment can be made upfront or in installments as decided by the general meeting.

Relation to other costs

The osuusmaksu is distinct from ongoing charges such as hoitovastike (maintenance or service charges in housing cooperatives) or other operating fees. It is a capital contribution and is typically shown on the member’s balance sheet as equity rather than as a regular expense.

Redemption and return of capital

Redemption of the osuusmaksu occurs only under certain conditions, such as withdrawal from the cooperative or dissolution. The return is usually subject to the cooperative’s financial position, bylaws, and the general approval of the membership, and it may be paid in proportion to available reserves or after other claims are met.

Tax and accounting

In accounting terms, the osuusmaksu is treated as equity rather than income. Tax treatment varies by jurisdiction, but in Finland it is generally not a deductible expense for the member and is not considered taxable income until and unless it is redeemed or altered by a sale or dissolution.

Notes

The term osuusmak is typically a misspelling or shorthand for osuusmaksu. In practice, the standard term osuusmaksu is used in legal and accounting contexts, especially within housing and consumer cooperatives.