(a) General rule.--When declaratory relief is sought, all persons shall be made parties who have or claim any interest which would be affected by the declaration, and no declaration shall prejudice the rights of persons not parties to the proceeding. In any proceeding which involves the validity of a municipal ordinance or franchise, such municipality shall be made a party and shall be entitled to be heard.
(b) Tax matters.--In any proceeding which involves the effect of any asserted legal relation, status, right, or privilege upon the determination of any tax, the appropriate taxing authority shall be served with a copy of the proceeding, but if such taxing authority does not enter its appearance, the requirements of this section shall nevertheless be satisfied if the court considers that the interests of the taxing authority are adequately represented.
Saved from Suspension. Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure No. 2248, adopted June 3, 1994, provided that section 7540 shall not be deemed suspended or affected by Rules 2226 through 2232 relating to joinder of parties.
Structure Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE
Chapter 75 - Commencement of Actions
Section 7501 - Attachment of property prior to judgment
Section 7502 - Affidavit of noninvolvement
Section 7521 - Short title of subchapter
Section 7522 - Interpleader compact
Section 7523 - Duties of the Department of State
Section 7524 - Duties of the Governor
Section 7531 - Short title of subchapter
Section 7532 - General scope of declaratory remedy
Section 7533 - Construction of documents
Section 7534 - Before breach of contract
Section 7535 - Rights of fiduciaries and other persons
Section 7536 - Enumeration not exclusive
Section 7537 - Remedy discretionary
Section 7538 - Applications for relief