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1. there are three kinds of partnerships:1 v( u3 d6 v9 `/ k% }4 p+ j2 l
General Partnership, Limited Partnership, and Public-Private Partnership
# J2 {; L4 ^7 O6 D/ B# G; xSee details on http://www.alberta-canada.com/investlocate/1012.html
% s( z3 X0 z. b# F$ ^# \2. See the article:, v; q+ `5 ]/ B0 c. P7 S1 |
PROPRIETORSHIP, PARTNERSHIP AND INCORPORATION: g2 V3 c! m% K6 a
By Jay Chauhan
, {; y: f7 T O. j: I% vLEGAL FORMS OF BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS
, q2 u! p. s" HThere are three basic ways in which a business organization can exist, namely a sole$ {+ j0 ]( f3 X+ u8 @, `, [: Y
proprietorship, a partnership, and a corporation. A sole proprietorship is where one person( N* Z. Q- R) r6 o# @3 ?
using his own name or any other name, conducts business. In a partnership, there are two or7 {" g1 q' R% N4 _
more persons carrying on a business activity under their own names or the name of a
" u" C1 G: s# u0 Y tpartnership. Incorporations are for legal purposes and entirely separate, legal entity created by* M4 v% w9 y0 L4 f1 L
law and can be used by a single person or more persons together.
5 D. R( l7 W/ g3 b( j8 k5 L0 MSOLE PROPRIETORSHIP
7 \1 u* R3 J. n' }5 SIf a one-man operation uses a name different that his own, he must register this name under the2 e& g" K8 b+ b; U* W6 l
Partnerships Registration Act at 555 Yonge Street, Toronto. The form is relatively simple, and it
$ e7 l1 F8 W) P1 U4 ^can be done by the individual at a minimal cost of $10.00. In case of financial difficulties, the+ r3 B+ L: P4 b( c8 H
individual remains personally liable and his home and personal assets can be used to satisfy a& r6 G- I j( B' ]5 k8 R& @
judgement. The registration lasts for five years, and must be renewed at expiry.6 H8 R1 k2 M' {% F* b1 R. t
It is possible for a sole proprietor to call his business by a name such as "ABC Company". The0 ]2 [* {5 x$ Q: Y/ i6 t) f+ P
fact that the word "company" is used does not provide any extra legal protection as# C+ [9 W2 G; O
incorporation does, and this is commonly misunderstood by many. For tax and legal purposes,2 _4 |7 [; c, t, E: G2 ]* K/ m, b
the sole proprietor is the same as the individual, even if he uses a different name.
. P! j5 h( O3 K8 h" oPARTNERSHIP
4 D! Q/ L+ Z1 n. t2 q0 |3 f+ U3 ^Where two or more persons are engaged in a business activity, it is known as a partnership.
2 E% Y! a% y5 Y3 \9 ~Like a sole proprietorship, they must register the business name if names other than their own8 ~; X, R( g: [: p
are being used to conduct the business activity. The same provisions of registration apply and7 t3 B1 I) ~+ n% b
each partner must sign this form and such declaration lasts five years. Here again, if the word
; g6 N% @# D% K8 _"company" is used at the end of the name, it provides no extra protection, like incorporation.! _% G3 s- q* g+ V1 k& k$ X
Each partner remains fully liable for the debts of the partnership, regardless of which partner" P; X2 A. }* l, @( f
incurred the liability. In case of financial difficulties, the judgement can be enforced against1 {0 `9 H' f( U# h) a8 F7 _
each and every partner and if any one partner does not have any monies, the other partner who
; a- ~4 e. q9 @6 t* S. whas the property and personal belongings and a house, he would have to meet the liability." \* U, a+ N4 l9 Y( x
Each partner is liable too pay tax on his share of the profit made. For legal purposes, the
" n4 C! R! S8 P0 s' a7 mliability is full, despite the percentage of partnership interest.* n5 `7 l; V* K$ [
2. g4 w3 }6 o1 O8 c! z
It is very desirable for the partners to have a partnership agreement, which sets out the basic
; ]! Z8 I' G: \$ \terms of the partnership arrangement, including what business will be conducted, profit and2 l0 `( m+ k. c6 M
loss sharing formula, whether the partnership will continue the death of a party, where the
4 J5 N+ p: b9 j+ N5 J5 P, Zaccount of the partnership will be maintained, and if any partner is to be employed full-time,2 Y$ o" X( t* l: v; m
what salary he may expect. If a partnership agreement is not provided, the provisions of the% p, p, z7 ?+ c7 R
Partnership Act will apply, and in such events, the partnership will dissolve, for example, on7 b q* d. W3 ?) q' o T
the death of a partner. The partnership agreement also would provide for a formula by which Y+ R- n5 z! w# o1 G) v" }( ?
upon disagreement, a party could withdraw from the partnership. Where no agreement is
4 T( L/ A5 n/ }+ Xprovided, any partner could simply register dissolution of partnership and terminate the, K5 r; |: D/ Y
partnership arrangement. Legal advice is desirable in drafting a partnership agreement.
8 v! U* f0 k; sIn case of failure of a partnership to register a business name, no action can be brought by the; x1 M2 [" M% w- `
partnership to sue a defendant, who fails to pay them.- E6 L! ]4 D; @0 v0 X# `$ o
INCORPORATION8 s( d9 J. g4 J
Incorporation is often called a limited company. When a corporate body is formed, it creates a) ^3 T# I6 B/ Z" b6 S! l6 P
separate legal person, and has a different legal existence than the person or persons who formed
( e; d$ P; v5 t) C3 Jthat legal entity. A corporation may be identified by using the words "limited", "incorporated",$ c. x7 C" E4 A4 N% g, k3 z$ s
or "corporation".3 U, {' o' J6 P& N6 i* D$ I2 j4 @
The word "limited" correctly describes the idea of limited liability, when a corporation is$ e; P$ p7 \# ]! d0 x7 x% o
formed. Unlike the sole proprietorship and partnership when a corporation is formed, the, o! V' d) V! b) ]$ A
individual or the persons forming it are only liable for the amount of investment made by them,% H$ @! L { P; |
in the corporation. In case of financial problems arising, the judgment can be enforced only
1 y! C, Z0 `# H' S* Dagainst the assets and property owned by the corporation, and the assets of the individual and
% f* h: J6 ?" v0 vhis home cannot be touched. This is the most important reason for forming a corporation, as1 t' u- f' H4 G+ L" `6 Q3 ~$ b' e$ i
most people wish to protect their personal assets against the risks of the business.' V4 ]7 M- ~* b4 p2 C
A corporation offers a variety of tax planning benefits. The most common benefit derived is the
' z( Z: c( O$ y+ b' [: _+ Zpossibility in a small company, of splitting the income between the husband and the wife.
2 q7 x% u1 J6 z/ _, K$ X# s3 H5 BUnder the attribution rules of the Income Tax Act, the income derived by the wife is deemed to [/ {) ]! _) o2 u+ h; R. {- a
be that of the husband, but where a corporation is formed, and the wife works for the$ k8 t% C' P: ?# Q8 r4 W$ w
corporation, it is legally possible for the husband to divert a certain amount of income to the
# V( B5 `: T2 T3 G4 E$ q" S* vwife, provided that she is doing some work in the company.
( o& P+ p: _; l/ h6 \A corporation is also in effect, an estate-planning vehicle. By issuing common shares to: M+ z5 D% [. q+ q
children in trust, the growth value of the shares of the corporation can be transferred to the) ~. D2 z( j) _, V# H# H' ^
children without incurring inheritance taxes under Succession Duty Act, and Income Tax Act.
% A/ J/ U" {4 lA corporation can be formed either under the Canada Business Corporations Act, or the) {# a) i+ A# e) ]- v' Y( j
Provincial Legislation, and in Ontario, the Ontario Business Corporations Act. A federal: E! R+ d* r. u5 B. m5 I
company is desirable where it may, in the future, have head offices in various provinces. A0 S+ M$ B( z& c. J' U( M3 `3 u3 v
federal company does not require extra-provincial licenses to operate in different provinces. It/ R }1 T, I' ^/ f0 f
does require, however in Ontario, a Licence In Mortmain. This license is required when the+ }6 G Q! G+ m" ^; z3 J
company owns or rents property in Ontario. The Ontario corporation does not require such. x- {/ u6 u0 v& T4 i. M6 d
license to operate within Ontario, but may require extra-provincial license to operate in other; T$ m2 O0 R q* T
provinces, except Quebec.
9 h3 t' [3 w; t, Q) ~3
8 g# X' R6 K7 T9 EIt is now possible for a one-man person to form incorporation and he may be the sole director
2 D, W# d' @; U" Y T l4 W4 ialso the sole shareholder in that company. Where there are more shareholders, a difficult
S- O/ Z' _! t! Pdecision to make is the proportion of shares owned by each shareholder in the company. A 51%
4 @, Y; O4 _; e2 C9 Z. ?control usually gives the right to such shareholders to elect the board of directors and/ u9 r# B2 V6 b8 F. _
accordingly, exercise effective control of the operations of the business.( J: K- O7 _# ^/ T
The directors of a company are responsible to the shareholders and must hold an annual5 i; m9 n- S$ w
general meeting each year, even if there are only one or two shareholders, who might be the
' Q+ F" l# o2 u. [8 K8 t' @$ qsame persons as the directors.1 b4 s$ i* d& @8 w& r
Where there are two or more shareholders in a company, a buy-sell agreement or some$ i# M& p' {) {0 m
shareholders agreement is very desirable. Such agreement can set out how a party can4 ]8 S2 T" n! K
withdraw as a shareholder, or how the shares will be disposed of upon death or disagreement.
" ~7 P! ?3 L" S6 ?. [This agreement is commonly ignored by shareholders until a dispute arises, when it is usually( b% A1 y6 n8 W$ l! J X
too late.
. J% q9 D2 p$ ]; jCompetent, legal advice is desirable in forming a company, as the procedure is not simple as3 d4 B, w2 G* T6 f, _1 E: c2 e4 J$ r
the registration of partnership or proprietorship is.3 ~: j( | q* C+ `; N
Chauhan & Associates% @* @4 U7 c5 K0 V: N
Barristers and Solicitors
' @# f, Y- o, S& H. S4 _330 Hwy. No. 7 East, Suite 309
8 g: j" G ]4 N. n4 O7 K; sRichmond Hill, Ontario+ ^- H, R0 A' n/ X: \3 h
L4B 3P8
2 c% f1 T4 ]$ {) ATel. (905) 771-12356 {# z1 ^* S9 @' @( n! }% {
Fax (905) 771-1237
2 z- Q7 a7 _( i$ e% p- p2 n) HEmail: globalmigrations@hotmail.com C3 e4 @* H- N( ~
4, i( n2 N. h. L# \1 r' o3 C; Z* H
PARTNERSHIP MEMO0 x# i0 n! t( Y3 g. f& u4 a
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
0 Z$ X9 U( y& b/ r$ S& I- GWhere two or more persons are engaged in a business activity, it is known as a
' i' A( F) V% u! K1 x2 P4 @partnership. They must register the business name if names other than their own names are
- g' C' q0 ~* Qbeing used to conduct the business activity. Partners must sign the declaration form.
- ~! t0 T0 ?$ d- wRegistration is valid for 5 years. If the partnership is not registered no action can be brought by
* Q& `2 D9 R, ?: w( D9 _8 t, Mthe partnership against a debtor for recovery of money until the partnership is registered.
1 c" J4 [. G `1 C+ ^% x2 b( B3 uIf you want me to assist you in the preparation or registration or partnership please let
5 |( C& V& ]% `* t" T/ r1 y# Ime know." Y2 H S8 a1 ?9 [- t
LIABILITY. ~/ @. b5 T2 P; ]
Each partner remains fully liable for the debts of the partnership, regardless of which( ]: H3 A& W7 o$ I% X
partner incurred the liability. In the event of financial difficulties, a judgment can be enforced
( {5 b: r, p# \+ R9 Z+ Xagainst each and every partner. If any one partner does not have nay money, the other partner. W. c2 \, z! o0 N
who has the property and personal belongings and a house would have to meet the liability.6 b6 q1 W+ c5 a; D; p! c
Using the name company for a partnership does not eliminate personal liability.
5 ~$ s# X1 v7 w3 lTAX& a2 B' t0 }- R
Each partner is liable to pay tax on his share of the profit made. Expenses are deducted
" U: G# F" Q# g8 @1 Dfrom the profit and the share of net income of each partner is declared on his tax return.
9 g; k0 V/ Q; K+ c u$ q+ `Partnership can have a different fiscal year than the calendar year.: {+ W2 x* e1 P
AGREEMENT
( G2 ^3 u6 n. d+ ~" E) t2 s( `1 D( XIt is very desirable for the partners to have a partnership agreement. It should set out* q! F% d! X7 Q9 r' P( k0 A' V
the basic terms of the partnership arrangement, including what business will be conducted,
. G# D# d6 |' I5 P: B# X; _profit and loss sharing formula, whether the partnership will continue on the death of a party,( p7 ]- ?( l1 g- ~4 J F
where the account of the partnership will be maintained, and if any partner is to be employed1 k9 G; n# M! m/ @* [
full-time, what salary he may expect. If a partnership agreement is not provided, the provisions, K0 T1 E: s& |/ \8 n
of the Partnership act will apply. Without an agreement the partnership would dissolve on the! `/ [. F. p+ U8 T6 c
death of a partner. The partnership agreement should also provide for a formula by which in+ w; u. @8 ?3 R3 H" W a% z, Y# Z, T
the event of disagreement a party can withdraw from the partnership. Where no agreement is9 Z z0 R/ a% [
provided, any partner could simply register dissolution of partnership and terminate the
" u' p2 K6 z: Y) ^$ npartnership arrangement. Legal advice is desirable in drafting a partnership agreement.
" h5 R$ L1 J8 D/ l4 t0 w2 Q: g2 X+ _INCORPORATION
3 n/ [' {9 C8 S$ p1 e, r# ]3 m7 AIncorporation is often referred to as a limited company. When a limited company is
! |2 w# b+ Z7 s% v: Nformed, it creates a separate legal person, and has a different legal existence. A corporation
" Q# j7 Y0 o! g6 Jmay be identified by the use of the words "limited", "incorporated", or "corporation".( p- \$ e8 ~- Q- R4 Z9 Y3 C
5
0 G9 L/ W5 `6 E" WThe word "limited" correctly describes the concept of limited liability of a corporation.
9 S" G; p+ J! hUnlike the sole proprietorship and partnership when a corporation is formed, the individual or
! R' \9 p; _5 G7 N5 G: O$ Dthe persons forming it are only liable for the amount of investment made by them in the
9 {+ J. a' l' {( y8 F0 XCorporation. In the event of financial problems arising, the judgment can be enforced only* g% j# b4 @* g! d, a t( m3 y& G
against the assets and property owned by the corporation, and the assets of the individual and
; @3 N/ y% L7 o2 phis home cannot be touched. To ensure this, personal guarantees should be avoided, if possible.& _; @3 L! o1 L) M) A( h2 \
The most important reason for forming a corporation is to protect personal assets against the- z" N! V; D* _3 P [$ R
risks of the business.+ E8 S0 I2 i+ o% Z/ x$ W
It is now possible for a one-man person to form a corporation and he can be the sole& [6 o$ z! H7 \$ j- _6 B; o+ w
director and also the sole shareholder in that company./ a2 j$ z2 O4 ~: O- x
A corporation is more expensive but desirable for the protection of personal liability.
1 v1 S+ F8 d5 R' {1 rJay Chauhan: {, I/ y/ ?9 ]2 M8 t
Barrister and Solicitor* B! _) z% k" Q
330 Highway 7 East, Suite 3094 v9 {/ L2 X' s" ~3 ^9 x) y, Z
Richmond Hill, Ontario/ ~1 o9 z) a1 {( T2 Q \
L4B 3P8
9 f7 K1 h6 B- bTel.: (905) 771-12359 o% q, S- c: B, x
Fax: (905) 771-1237" ?' m) i' d# _- J5 w% p& [) m
Email: globalmigrations@hotmail.com |
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