Unearned Surplus: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Definition

Definition & Meaning

Unearned surplus refers to the portion of a company's surplus that is not derived from its earned income. It represents the total amounts assigned to shares that exceed the stated capital. This surplus can include:

  • Paid-in surplus
  • Surplus from asset revaluation above their original cost
  • Contributions made that are not in exchange for shares, including donations from shareholders or other sources

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Here are a couple of examples of unearned surplus:

  • A technology company issues shares at a price higher than their par value. The excess amount received is classified as unearned surplus.
  • A nonprofit organization receives a donation that exceeds the value of its contributed assets, which is recorded as unearned surplus. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Earned Surplus Surplus generated from a company's operations and profits. Earned surplus comes from profits, while unearned surplus does not.
Paid-in Capital Funds raised by a company through the sale of its stock. Paid-in capital is a component of unearned surplus but is specifically related to stock sales.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are involved in a situation where unearned surplus is relevant, consider the following steps:

  • Review your company's financial statements to understand how unearned surplus is reported.
  • Consult with a financial advisor or accountant for clarity on its implications.
  • Explore US Legal Forms for templates that can assist with documentation related to corporate finance.

If your situation is complex, seeking professional legal assistance may be necessary.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Definition Surplus not derived from earned income
Components Paid-in surplus, asset revaluation surplus, non-share contributions
Legal Areas Corporate finance, accounting compliance

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

Unearned surplus refers to contributions not derived from profits, while retained earnings are profits that have been reinvested in the company.