Types of Business Organizations part 2

Partnerships

In a Partnership, two or more people share ownership of a single business. Like proprietorships, the law does not distinguish between the business and its owners. The

Partners should have a legal agreement that sets forth how decisions will be made, profits will be shared, disputes will be resolved, how future partners will be admitted to the partnership, how partners can be bought out, or what steps will be taken to dissolve the partnership when needed. Yes, it’s hard to think about a "break-up" when the business is just getting started, but many partnerships split up at crisis times and unless there is a defined process, there will be even greater problems. They also must decide up front how much time and capital each will contribute, etc.

Advantages of a Partnership

1. Partnerships are relatively easy to establish; however time should be invested in developing the partnership agreement.

2. With more than one owner, the ability to raise funds may be increased.

3. The profits from the business flow directly through to the partners' personal taxes.

4. Prospective employees may be attracted to the business if given the incentive to become a partner.

Disadvantages of a Partnership

1. Partners are jointly and individually liable for the actions of the other partners.

2. Profits must be shared with others.

3. Since decisions are shared, disagreements can occur.

4. Some employee benefits are not deductible from business income on tax returns.

5. The partnership have a limited life; it may end upon a partner withdrawal or death.

Types of Partnerships that should be considered:

General Partnership

Partners divide responsibility for management and liability, as well as the shares of profit or loss according to their internal agreement. Equal shares are assumed unless there is a written agreement that states differently.

Limited Partnership and Partnership with limited liability

"Limited" means that most of the partners have limited liability (to the extent of their investment) as well as limited input regarding management decisions, which generally encourages investors for short term projects, or for investing in capital assets. This form of ownership is not often used for operating retail or service businesses. Forming a limited partnership is more complex and formal than that of a general partnership.

Types of BusinessOrganizations part 3

DYNAMAX BUSINESS CREDIT