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1. there are three kinds of partnerships:$ W5 Y1 B' e( a8 K* S# P. w4 B+ {. U
General Partnership, Limited Partnership, and Public-Private Partnership
/ w; F0 B! _) @2 ]6 v% o9 BSee details on http://www.alberta-canada.com/investlocate/1012.html
& T, o# T0 g" y5 [) r) ^* V8 I5 c2. See the article:( P% @8 u- Y# y' H5 J) Q
PROPRIETORSHIP, PARTNERSHIP AND INCORPORATION2 p1 s* b% Q/ F/ z1 \
By Jay Chauhan* B& _) [( ]& V7 k( Z I% k
LEGAL FORMS OF BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS4 D+ P& t; |7 q$ P- V: ?" X4 [* C
There are three basic ways in which a business organization can exist, namely a sole
% v: C' s$ j+ ~proprietorship, a partnership, and a corporation. A sole proprietorship is where one person
+ d, }' n; y+ y% k, @5 R4 Q* p! ousing his own name or any other name, conducts business. In a partnership, there are two or
5 t$ T/ r2 t" G: V( ?. lmore persons carrying on a business activity under their own names or the name of a
$ B7 g( x0 m% w( T6 {) p% mpartnership. Incorporations are for legal purposes and entirely separate, legal entity created by: r* A( v# k) ^3 Q# x* _4 {
law and can be used by a single person or more persons together.' s9 E* k y9 \* j+ k _
SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP4 D+ M. z/ g) P( q. w
If a one-man operation uses a name different that his own, he must register this name under the# ?% Z4 V V4 I7 I
Partnerships Registration Act at 555 Yonge Street, Toronto. The form is relatively simple, and it
* ^: O0 a7 t4 U3 t! Y" w* ]- J, I6 L& Ecan be done by the individual at a minimal cost of $10.00. In case of financial difficulties, the
}, ^# i* Y% b. c# Iindividual remains personally liable and his home and personal assets can be used to satisfy a# c* ]4 K; e: k2 u1 \
judgement. The registration lasts for five years, and must be renewed at expiry.5 n7 H' t: M4 `% x0 m4 {# G9 C
It is possible for a sole proprietor to call his business by a name such as "ABC Company". The
3 F- P9 |: |$ t- i0 I. G/ x& g/ zfact that the word "company" is used does not provide any extra legal protection as
3 p- R* I2 O! G& `incorporation does, and this is commonly misunderstood by many. For tax and legal purposes,* u& x" o& h! w0 L: L) }7 D1 W
the sole proprietor is the same as the individual, even if he uses a different name.8 v$ E* S- x' j2 N% q
PARTNERSHIP% l& z9 e) T% @
Where two or more persons are engaged in a business activity, it is known as a partnership.0 X' x/ Y0 T* O7 J1 [
Like a sole proprietorship, they must register the business name if names other than their own" x1 E6 e- `$ K- V( _# d8 k
are being used to conduct the business activity. The same provisions of registration apply and
3 E8 X4 ^5 ^* H* deach partner must sign this form and such declaration lasts five years. Here again, if the word
8 W, ]" l' W% v/ @& X9 S4 F0 J"company" is used at the end of the name, it provides no extra protection, like incorporation.
4 [" ^$ i" u6 j0 ?0 c; e& `2 M, mEach partner remains fully liable for the debts of the partnership, regardless of which partner
7 g5 S1 L( {( v1 xincurred the liability. In case of financial difficulties, the judgement can be enforced against5 s1 f3 x7 q0 w# H3 s- V) i0 C
each and every partner and if any one partner does not have any monies, the other partner who0 ]' M' z. Y- q! \1 \4 X @6 b: |
has the property and personal belongings and a house, he would have to meet the liability.! W9 D- Y3 t4 B+ {
Each partner is liable too pay tax on his share of the profit made. For legal purposes, the B6 m& p" u7 {2 t
liability is full, despite the percentage of partnership interest.
0 I& Z6 e& p, l! u+ t( L2; |! y0 k: _& _2 h
It is very desirable for the partners to have a partnership agreement, which sets out the basic& d- y+ ?% n) q1 Q
terms of the partnership arrangement, including what business will be conducted, profit and) a8 G% y. B5 w) t1 L
loss sharing formula, whether the partnership will continue the death of a party, where the+ l& D8 m3 M' I9 i
account of the partnership will be maintained, and if any partner is to be employed full-time," L! I+ o/ D0 n `
what salary he may expect. If a partnership agreement is not provided, the provisions of the* T' c e- R: a* p2 M2 m4 e
Partnership Act will apply, and in such events, the partnership will dissolve, for example, on
3 a( P" F- b5 E! |+ ^) c3 J- K {the death of a partner. The partnership agreement also would provide for a formula by which
1 N* [) G0 G% m: v5 K- \upon disagreement, a party could withdraw from the partnership. Where no agreement is, r* k* Z3 _" D; {: S: a
provided, any partner could simply register dissolution of partnership and terminate the, Q8 {4 [/ ?: c V0 R
partnership arrangement. Legal advice is desirable in drafting a partnership agreement.
# `0 b( D# s1 I% n. cIn case of failure of a partnership to register a business name, no action can be brought by the
) m3 V6 l* w& u6 l, ^partnership to sue a defendant, who fails to pay them.
- M0 G0 B" Z- U% FINCORPORATION7 V2 X5 t$ R) E8 v$ A- v
Incorporation is often called a limited company. When a corporate body is formed, it creates a
0 f0 V$ l' B0 tseparate legal person, and has a different legal existence than the person or persons who formed
& Q% E& y. E' H4 @' z& |) s' X' ^that legal entity. A corporation may be identified by using the words "limited", "incorporated",3 n9 j Y" o7 `. K. |
or "corporation".- D$ }( l Q, G/ s' Z
The word "limited" correctly describes the idea of limited liability, when a corporation is; r0 T- h) U* l% F5 p: ?& @
formed. Unlike the sole proprietorship and partnership when a corporation is formed, the! y0 y6 f6 c$ d# u, V; u
individual or the persons forming it are only liable for the amount of investment made by them,0 O# {0 k7 S7 }4 w/ I T
in the corporation. In case of financial problems arising, the judgment can be enforced only
2 [5 z/ E( q9 X9 [; b% L7 Fagainst the assets and property owned by the corporation, and the assets of the individual and6 b: {3 i/ R- s, T
his home cannot be touched. This is the most important reason for forming a corporation, as
* J0 P& R5 V" |* @: Omost people wish to protect their personal assets against the risks of the business.; ^5 g4 S1 ?: L, N2 N1 Y
A corporation offers a variety of tax planning benefits. The most common benefit derived is the. p% A% v% ?. N. w
possibility in a small company, of splitting the income between the husband and the wife.
% B0 `1 T& }1 E5 X8 }Under the attribution rules of the Income Tax Act, the income derived by the wife is deemed to
) j( {- J: @) p" j6 cbe that of the husband, but where a corporation is formed, and the wife works for the. w: |' u! H- s. i2 T X' h/ L
corporation, it is legally possible for the husband to divert a certain amount of income to the
% d7 C6 `% \/ j8 b2 R7 l3 R) rwife, provided that she is doing some work in the company.
0 k( L: Y& ?; LA corporation is also in effect, an estate-planning vehicle. By issuing common shares to
& N: E* Y9 e# j3 u1 L3 D* e- S8 Nchildren in trust, the growth value of the shares of the corporation can be transferred to the& S5 a: M. S9 K. H9 c
children without incurring inheritance taxes under Succession Duty Act, and Income Tax Act.
5 E' i7 D# a5 l4 JA corporation can be formed either under the Canada Business Corporations Act, or the+ _! [% K6 h7 i6 D
Provincial Legislation, and in Ontario, the Ontario Business Corporations Act. A federal
0 Z2 i; \' c& G0 @" }3 Tcompany is desirable where it may, in the future, have head offices in various provinces. A+ Q. Z4 C% p5 f( g
federal company does not require extra-provincial licenses to operate in different provinces. It) h) `/ L, ~- d9 B
does require, however in Ontario, a Licence In Mortmain. This license is required when the
# X. B2 ?3 Y% y! A& [ \, Fcompany owns or rents property in Ontario. The Ontario corporation does not require such
S2 @" Y0 ^6 d* I3 Z/ Zlicense to operate within Ontario, but may require extra-provincial license to operate in other7 t& l" x u+ I5 `) I9 z
provinces, except Quebec.; H H+ o% c6 U5 N# Z6 H" H
3- p9 z8 \: Y/ `+ p( { t
It is now possible for a one-man person to form incorporation and he may be the sole director, c$ Y( O ^7 Y% Q, t
also the sole shareholder in that company. Where there are more shareholders, a difficult
2 x2 _6 q% C7 Vdecision to make is the proportion of shares owned by each shareholder in the company. A 51%
, T. {0 L% j* F7 Econtrol usually gives the right to such shareholders to elect the board of directors and
2 Q4 ]' r8 [9 J6 Laccordingly, exercise effective control of the operations of the business.6 ]9 N, r/ v: Q G S' W
The directors of a company are responsible to the shareholders and must hold an annual' g$ J& E4 P+ Y0 m
general meeting each year, even if there are only one or two shareholders, who might be the( k: k5 g g" r
same persons as the directors.
9 x& }- ^5 W0 ^$ |9 e' {- d6 [4 MWhere there are two or more shareholders in a company, a buy-sell agreement or some
: ~4 F& s/ P8 Ushareholders agreement is very desirable. Such agreement can set out how a party can# O" }1 g1 G, I& @+ b4 w
withdraw as a shareholder, or how the shares will be disposed of upon death or disagreement.
5 W9 e; F! k& m: S2 p8 ^$ hThis agreement is commonly ignored by shareholders until a dispute arises, when it is usually; w8 W; T3 q6 y/ L; W
too late., r& G B8 f, F1 n4 \* P- O
Competent, legal advice is desirable in forming a company, as the procedure is not simple as" Z3 Z/ g+ R) @8 Y8 z
the registration of partnership or proprietorship is.' e0 y9 Z2 r2 @, J* ?
Chauhan & Associates$ t2 `# l/ T9 ^/ {/ `7 h
Barristers and Solicitors& P K+ d, ^3 w
330 Hwy. No. 7 East, Suite 309
, n6 ]7 e" C: ORichmond Hill, Ontario0 K1 T% n6 [3 o9 c
L4B 3P8
; t+ K: A+ O% J* k% T* ]Tel. (905) 771-1235" F% g5 V% e9 ~; o' s7 A1 u
Fax (905) 771-1237
0 }4 k7 J. H; i7 m1 m3 Q% BEmail: globalmigrations@hotmail.com
. g& s/ e6 q, H! Z2 c4
) T% X1 c2 V% V, E4 @& XPARTNERSHIP MEMO
' |! ], }$ R9 q( [$ GREGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
( X, F# ^( ~/ _ O( A% N% |, RWhere two or more persons are engaged in a business activity, it is known as a
# ~1 K+ V/ ]( _6 e1 i, `partnership. They must register the business name if names other than their own names are q6 s% E, ]2 [
being used to conduct the business activity. Partners must sign the declaration form./ ^$ _1 \4 I9 h# U5 ]- @; f1 s
Registration is valid for 5 years. If the partnership is not registered no action can be brought by
2 f: R* c- b e' Dthe partnership against a debtor for recovery of money until the partnership is registered.+ A- @$ {" `( |. ]: @
If you want me to assist you in the preparation or registration or partnership please let$ |6 w# O' ?+ F' M- f% d
me know.; F+ ]9 V0 H& B- z! B% W
LIABILITY
3 _ s" _* D! p0 _3 lEach partner remains fully liable for the debts of the partnership, regardless of which" N# C$ L! @, v
partner incurred the liability. In the event of financial difficulties, a judgment can be enforced' z8 [' h2 N( v% ?3 j! c$ x
against each and every partner. If any one partner does not have nay money, the other partner
9 F. k* |, S6 W( ]3 Awho has the property and personal belongings and a house would have to meet the liability.
% q5 t2 S% r2 B4 E- R, _Using the name company for a partnership does not eliminate personal liability.
0 \/ V* v; @* V* a0 l3 x' A; [% jTAX" e/ x! ~) V" k% `8 s8 o, k
Each partner is liable to pay tax on his share of the profit made. Expenses are deducted; v) h# |' G8 _) M& Y& x/ ^
from the profit and the share of net income of each partner is declared on his tax return.
( k7 ] q; Y2 \' M3 @) @Partnership can have a different fiscal year than the calendar year.( `: {4 v7 ~4 {1 e& o
AGREEMENT l: p; \! y' m; o' E( Z/ l3 a
It is very desirable for the partners to have a partnership agreement. It should set out
6 Y5 n" ]% u! P1 f0 S0 }the basic terms of the partnership arrangement, including what business will be conducted,
4 G% Y4 u: B2 U0 f+ jprofit and loss sharing formula, whether the partnership will continue on the death of a party,# ^/ n% e T- w4 D$ J
where the account of the partnership will be maintained, and if any partner is to be employed, N5 z4 {% ^+ {
full-time, what salary he may expect. If a partnership agreement is not provided, the provisions
- ~5 v/ M D2 S; z( c( F4 _of the Partnership act will apply. Without an agreement the partnership would dissolve on the: q5 j/ Y8 B: d3 y6 x
death of a partner. The partnership agreement should also provide for a formula by which in
2 @6 K$ C! |$ b1 l' E7 N" Pthe event of disagreement a party can withdraw from the partnership. Where no agreement is
& F, `- L6 i w# u: v& Rprovided, any partner could simply register dissolution of partnership and terminate the4 x/ l6 Z$ h. V# `! V
partnership arrangement. Legal advice is desirable in drafting a partnership agreement.
* C# \$ x7 C% w# i. ~7 pINCORPORATION4 }$ R0 h. W7 ?/ A5 d% d
Incorporation is often referred to as a limited company. When a limited company is: ?4 l1 P' I6 B1 P2 e6 Q
formed, it creates a separate legal person, and has a different legal existence. A corporation
7 Z& y* b# D" i$ Z" X) \( j. fmay be identified by the use of the words "limited", "incorporated", or "corporation".3 y! y8 K" c& {- t1 Q
5
/ Q7 ^0 D8 R6 @: ~The word "limited" correctly describes the concept of limited liability of a corporation.5 `0 w/ G; j: c7 W* {5 g( e% A
Unlike the sole proprietorship and partnership when a corporation is formed, the individual or' G5 n! g, u. i: K$ M' A
the persons forming it are only liable for the amount of investment made by them in the* ~$ Y2 y" @+ q( `' a8 J% k
Corporation. In the event of financial problems arising, the judgment can be enforced only
: M" ?6 z; L, F2 f( Tagainst the assets and property owned by the corporation, and the assets of the individual and1 B _7 G. J: {$ Q! l7 y
his home cannot be touched. To ensure this, personal guarantees should be avoided, if possible.: I/ ]; x+ i: k- w/ s& I
The most important reason for forming a corporation is to protect personal assets against the+ L3 ]6 o" D: s
risks of the business.7 i9 H+ d" w9 I# s% A
It is now possible for a one-man person to form a corporation and he can be the sole; t% S2 S- x% H$ k
director and also the sole shareholder in that company.
! U1 ?# y. x2 |4 ]$ }4 IA corporation is more expensive but desirable for the protection of personal liability.
; e" N% b5 o* g' p9 z2 C ^/ \5 J1 UJay Chauhan+ z2 z2 j. w! U: z. y# G- o8 V
Barrister and Solicitor
' X. U: Y2 H- w0 A7 b. \330 Highway 7 East, Suite 309
2 H$ ^6 U6 g1 K. @1 f, HRichmond Hill, Ontario
) i3 a2 r; @& u$ J0 aL4B 3P8: T+ l1 Y0 T2 b) ]2 ^
Tel.: (905) 771-1235( }5 ?. G, ?- q, Q
Fax: (905) 771-1237
% f7 D, U: D ~ Y/ R3 K. g9 s0 KEmail: globalmigrations@hotmail.com |
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