osuusmaksun

Osuusmaksu is a capital contribution required from members of a cooperative, including housing cooperatives (asunto-osuuskunta) in Finland. It represents the member’s stake in the cooperative’s equity and is distinct from a loan to the member. The amount is typically fixed by the cooperative’s rules and is paid when joining; in some cases it can be paid in instalments according to the cooperative’s by-laws.

Osuusmaksun tarkoituksena on rahoittaa yhteisön toimintaa and provide a basis for member rights and obligations. The payment strengthens the cooperative’s financial position and may influence distributions of profits or other financial arrangements, although in many cooperatives voting rights are not proportional to the size of the osuusmaksu (often one member, one vote). The exact rights attached to the osuusmaksu, including potential dividend entitlements and the possibility of additional capital calls, depend on the co-op’s statutes and the applicable Finnish cooperative law.

When a member resigns or leaves a housing or other cooperative, the osuusmaksu may be refunded, in whole or in part, in accordance with the cooperative’s rules and available surplus. Refunds are often subject to deductions for losses or outstanding obligations and may require approval by the governing body or general meeting. Transfers or sales of an osuus are typically regulated by the by-laws and may be restricted.

In summary, osuusmaksu is the initial capital contribution that enables membership in a Finnish cooperative, forming part of the member’s equity and shaping certain financial and governance aspects of the cooperative.