Different Types of Partnerships

-- End Ad Box --->Unlike a general partner, a limited partner has no
Partnerships can be considered as the simplest formmanagement powers and is liable only to the debts
of co-owned business entity in terms of establishment,incurred by the partnership to the extent of their
procedures and maintenance.registered investment.
A partnership refers to a co-owned business structureThe general partner pays the limited partner a return
in which the partners or owners share both the profitsof their investment.
and the losses of the company.This is perfect for those who just want to invest but
Some people prefer to form partnerships rather thanwant others to perform the actual work.
corporations because aside from being easier toLimited Liability Partnership
establish, partnerships generally do not incur tax on itsThis type of partnership is much more similar to a
profits before it is distributed to the partners.corporation.
There are no specific federal laws concerningIn a limited liability partnership, all partners have limited
partnership establishments.liability which is similar to that of a corporate
Instead, several composite states have their ownshareholder.
statutory laws that govern partnerships whether it is aHowever unlike a corporate shareholder, partners in a
general partnership, a limited partnership or a limitedlimited liability partnership have the right to manage the
liability partnership.business directly.
General PartnershipUnlike with a limited partnership where at least one
This is the simplest form of partnership and as suchgeneral partner will take an active role while the others
general partnerships are simply called partnerships aswill be on a passive position, a limited liability corporation
well.gives all partners a chance to have their hands on
In general partnership, all partners or owners equallymanaging the business.
share responsibilities and liabilities.This is suited for businesses where all investors would
A general partnership has the following characteristics:like to have an active role in management.
• A general partnership is created through anPARTNERSHIP ESTABLISHMENT
agreement, has proof of existence and estoppelsAlthough it is the simplest form of co-owned business
(where a party is prohibited from denying anstructure to establish, a lot of issues need to be
agreement).addressed before the partnership goes into operation.
• A general partnership has two or more owners.A partnership agreement will need to be established
• The owners or the partners are all personally liableso as to address the role of each partner and to
for all legal actions and debts the company faces.establish a process on how future conflicts should be
Limited Partnershipsolved.
This is a form of partnership that is very similar to aSome conflicts normally encountered by partnerships
general partnership.are:
The difference with limited partnership is that aside• Partners contribution
from the general partners, there are also one or more• Profit and loss allocation
limited partners involved.• Decision making
A general partner, as with a normal firm, has• Withdrawal and admission of partners
management powers, the right to use partnershipAn attorney who has vast experience in partnership
property, has a predefined share of the profit, and hasestablishment should be a great help in creating a
a share in the liabilities of the partnership.partnership agreement that should address the issues
Limited partnership establishment requires at least oneabove.
general partner.