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1. there are three kinds of partnerships:
& q0 D/ G& Q! g' F. q# D iGeneral Partnership, Limited Partnership, and Public-Private Partnership
# Q# i4 Q/ V% ]5 u% J6 X4 W$ s9 ~See details on http://www.alberta-canada.com/investlocate/1012.html
$ C; X0 o- B7 G8 L5 z) B2. See the article:% ^7 Y. F3 n1 Z; C$ q
PROPRIETORSHIP, PARTNERSHIP AND INCORPORATION
/ {( m$ J' u t. _5 Q' C0 IBy Jay Chauhan, N4 @9 t/ _, Z
LEGAL FORMS OF BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS1 a- U$ A9 _, M$ [( R3 i" Z# h
There are three basic ways in which a business organization can exist, namely a sole2 @! K, s& J0 m" }
proprietorship, a partnership, and a corporation. A sole proprietorship is where one person
; ]5 R4 S3 P' l: s! z% \ xusing his own name or any other name, conducts business. In a partnership, there are two or
1 W b) O( i, G" M! F/ E" ^more persons carrying on a business activity under their own names or the name of a( ?( M# s3 \' ? _
partnership. Incorporations are for legal purposes and entirely separate, legal entity created by
m/ D/ R7 X/ m, Llaw and can be used by a single person or more persons together.
6 r9 X f8 P$ K; u- T* l6 sSOLE PROPRIETORSHIP ]% ^; @3 F: ]0 [) _1 J m6 X
If a one-man operation uses a name different that his own, he must register this name under the/ ~/ p1 F7 I# _) W# B: T
Partnerships Registration Act at 555 Yonge Street, Toronto. The form is relatively simple, and it
* l0 ^5 T6 H+ ^can be done by the individual at a minimal cost of $10.00. In case of financial difficulties, the: V: q$ D1 R0 d3 c. {
individual remains personally liable and his home and personal assets can be used to satisfy a! _# T! B- _1 \+ r8 K' _
judgement. The registration lasts for five years, and must be renewed at expiry.
% r3 Q4 H- ~, U1 w, N1 o0 gIt is possible for a sole proprietor to call his business by a name such as "ABC Company". The
8 w( y& V1 z. {3 efact that the word "company" is used does not provide any extra legal protection as
& Z* {' k9 Z ]/ Qincorporation does, and this is commonly misunderstood by many. For tax and legal purposes,0 G8 B+ f' g* @% A' N
the sole proprietor is the same as the individual, even if he uses a different name.
# p( R4 H/ h$ h5 zPARTNERSHIP" J: i) D' G! M( `1 a
Where two or more persons are engaged in a business activity, it is known as a partnership.
; g3 h5 G. X# ~! H7 RLike a sole proprietorship, they must register the business name if names other than their own+ i o# I2 w0 r' d
are being used to conduct the business activity. The same provisions of registration apply and
- X5 _4 r" a# P8 ~; l6 O6 keach partner must sign this form and such declaration lasts five years. Here again, if the word3 q; H' u: b8 b, ~
"company" is used at the end of the name, it provides no extra protection, like incorporation.$ Q6 o# Z. p3 F
Each partner remains fully liable for the debts of the partnership, regardless of which partner/ u, w& h' G, ?
incurred the liability. In case of financial difficulties, the judgement can be enforced against$ m" U& A0 J5 {+ E
each and every partner and if any one partner does not have any monies, the other partner who
- V. q/ G, W0 Z" h0 F$ V( r) shas the property and personal belongings and a house, he would have to meet the liability.% r n4 |$ \( X: R' z: k- I5 F
Each partner is liable too pay tax on his share of the profit made. For legal purposes, the% b# V X: }$ b. T' a* H
liability is full, despite the percentage of partnership interest.9 ?. \! ~2 d: B- T5 m& ]/ h: {. v
2( E5 H. Z2 l- o; H, B
It is very desirable for the partners to have a partnership agreement, which sets out the basic
0 u. K* l2 s/ M4 |& ]terms of the partnership arrangement, including what business will be conducted, profit and# z* w4 b9 ^$ J+ s; J8 M8 s
loss sharing formula, whether the partnership will continue the death of a party, where the
) z" z L5 j0 k6 b2 ?: X+ z2 N; ?account of the partnership will be maintained, and if any partner is to be employed full-time,
9 S, t7 G- L/ ^7 hwhat salary he may expect. If a partnership agreement is not provided, the provisions of the' ~8 u" f: A B/ K6 ^' l
Partnership Act will apply, and in such events, the partnership will dissolve, for example, on/ ~5 p# s) ^5 Q( B* C! k& y" o
the death of a partner. The partnership agreement also would provide for a formula by which
% k; L l+ w3 _- }' tupon disagreement, a party could withdraw from the partnership. Where no agreement is
, f) b- Y+ U6 D9 d# M, A" N# Qprovided, any partner could simply register dissolution of partnership and terminate the
# O+ h% M$ r ?, D9 xpartnership arrangement. Legal advice is desirable in drafting a partnership agreement.
+ O* m+ `7 N) ?/ R" a/ i ZIn case of failure of a partnership to register a business name, no action can be brought by the/ o3 J) ?1 y$ b( {
partnership to sue a defendant, who fails to pay them.5 c. J9 m7 P# {8 S
INCORPORATION: q1 T* e. y& W; P, }. I" ~
Incorporation is often called a limited company. When a corporate body is formed, it creates a
7 }: z+ h% T* B- o& B, lseparate legal person, and has a different legal existence than the person or persons who formed
1 d L* o4 ]* b0 V3 Zthat legal entity. A corporation may be identified by using the words "limited", "incorporated",! o- U3 I3 S0 J. u: f$ ^
or "corporation".2 o) p5 ~9 _5 V" W- ~
The word "limited" correctly describes the idea of limited liability, when a corporation is
/ L4 D9 ]3 D" u9 Fformed. Unlike the sole proprietorship and partnership when a corporation is formed, the, ]# A( j4 O& B. i
individual or the persons forming it are only liable for the amount of investment made by them,: b% [" k1 t9 F8 Y6 n7 a
in the corporation. In case of financial problems arising, the judgment can be enforced only
/ [- x3 @2 n3 q& S) |$ e; _& u: q, aagainst the assets and property owned by the corporation, and the assets of the individual and5 _2 k" X( T; u* d
his home cannot be touched. This is the most important reason for forming a corporation, as
& k5 h, C7 y9 K8 E( ^# \. F! zmost people wish to protect their personal assets against the risks of the business.2 _, K g' }$ t) c3 O/ ~7 N% d" B
A corporation offers a variety of tax planning benefits. The most common benefit derived is the
- ]# {; Z1 W* R# K" Npossibility in a small company, of splitting the income between the husband and the wife.
7 \! M- j. k* n6 F; wUnder the attribution rules of the Income Tax Act, the income derived by the wife is deemed to
6 g. c( M7 T. A' A! t2 t8 Tbe that of the husband, but where a corporation is formed, and the wife works for the
) g' |0 H4 {/ b- @6 ^corporation, it is legally possible for the husband to divert a certain amount of income to the$ U4 Y: p* T* [9 W
wife, provided that she is doing some work in the company.) @9 o1 ~% b" }) [' Z
A corporation is also in effect, an estate-planning vehicle. By issuing common shares to
% S7 i! p4 W& K7 ^6 p. nchildren in trust, the growth value of the shares of the corporation can be transferred to the' v5 d# ]2 P0 Y' ~3 I/ a) {% I! t3 G
children without incurring inheritance taxes under Succession Duty Act, and Income Tax Act.
% `& V- Z) E# I1 g0 Z# g: }A corporation can be formed either under the Canada Business Corporations Act, or the, B3 R( m3 F, K) `
Provincial Legislation, and in Ontario, the Ontario Business Corporations Act. A federal* A& `3 a' X" P& K1 y% P6 a
company is desirable where it may, in the future, have head offices in various provinces. A6 d' V% Z9 e- F! w% m
federal company does not require extra-provincial licenses to operate in different provinces. It/ P ^% W# c+ G$ L
does require, however in Ontario, a Licence In Mortmain. This license is required when the
. @6 N$ {: j$ `+ v4 [0 E+ b* kcompany owns or rents property in Ontario. The Ontario corporation does not require such, K( e( z$ T p* B
license to operate within Ontario, but may require extra-provincial license to operate in other
: P" `8 H& _, ?provinces, except Quebec.# A- h Z J& i
32 y) o5 }$ {& i2 P H0 |- B, I- l
It is now possible for a one-man person to form incorporation and he may be the sole director* X( m! X. k4 q2 _' ?& c
also the sole shareholder in that company. Where there are more shareholders, a difficult3 Y/ K4 e1 X+ g2 _
decision to make is the proportion of shares owned by each shareholder in the company. A 51%
0 |* l, v+ ` ] A. w$ econtrol usually gives the right to such shareholders to elect the board of directors and8 R, K' [6 t, {7 E
accordingly, exercise effective control of the operations of the business.! |* }+ |3 S8 s
The directors of a company are responsible to the shareholders and must hold an annual
2 L$ C9 U3 n/ k+ u3 \general meeting each year, even if there are only one or two shareholders, who might be the
" G" s: H7 h. Ssame persons as the directors.
o) F% g4 |, E+ \Where there are two or more shareholders in a company, a buy-sell agreement or some
E5 o: f. @6 Y! tshareholders agreement is very desirable. Such agreement can set out how a party can0 c# {' {" M3 D" w# v: ]# {
withdraw as a shareholder, or how the shares will be disposed of upon death or disagreement.
3 Y& |2 N2 k) yThis agreement is commonly ignored by shareholders until a dispute arises, when it is usually8 Y9 k, B3 B6 s$ t( @
too late.: I. B8 N# X& Z7 U# h& J f! u
Competent, legal advice is desirable in forming a company, as the procedure is not simple as* i; l6 N x1 c' c# i
the registration of partnership or proprietorship is.5 N2 h1 v9 R' s4 k2 s9 E
Chauhan & Associates+ G$ U" o' ^5 q1 ]
Barristers and Solicitors+ o$ f: {- G5 w) s; Q! [3 B
330 Hwy. No. 7 East, Suite 309: {/ Y" ?2 A2 p4 [' _- ? @# B5 }
Richmond Hill, Ontario/ ^2 _% e2 z. G3 ~1 J. Z
L4B 3P8
- U& L$ L2 k$ R3 V4 _ d) ^) E9 q9 xTel. (905) 771-1235! y4 ~) s0 Z: F2 C1 `% @
Fax (905) 771-1237; ]) \. O2 a' u3 `& {4 Q
Email: globalmigrations@hotmail.com7 b9 |/ f& p+ Y8 I
4
# w+ o" Y& V, u4 ^PARTNERSHIP MEMO* K# Z8 \. N/ D- j
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
. ~4 g( u* |6 T# T5 y; o7 [Where two or more persons are engaged in a business activity, it is known as a
2 Y: [3 n+ \: f: b; opartnership. They must register the business name if names other than their own names are
4 b# M% o( Z) b. ^5 Ebeing used to conduct the business activity. Partners must sign the declaration form.; Q) H2 A' s# u6 ]$ a2 t& E3 t
Registration is valid for 5 years. If the partnership is not registered no action can be brought by
3 z) D$ x7 |0 N8 Sthe partnership against a debtor for recovery of money until the partnership is registered.. l: ^+ o; E# L. U4 K0 m! U
If you want me to assist you in the preparation or registration or partnership please let$ D3 {9 c. F9 y
me know.7 N7 T2 V t. Z I0 q2 @5 d
LIABILITY
4 `0 D# {' y& q! {Each partner remains fully liable for the debts of the partnership, regardless of which
8 V2 f5 Y7 ^& @8 p; c" i* ^3 `partner incurred the liability. In the event of financial difficulties, a judgment can be enforced$ P& @7 k7 W& c- b( z+ z
against each and every partner. If any one partner does not have nay money, the other partner
5 W/ g; b* U3 I$ l0 Ewho has the property and personal belongings and a house would have to meet the liability.2 D% a: g: ~3 t5 F$ ?
Using the name company for a partnership does not eliminate personal liability.% M( [0 S3 x0 m* {& h F! S S, y
TAX- o+ {- ~, W# t
Each partner is liable to pay tax on his share of the profit made. Expenses are deducted# w. w b% N; u5 _1 p/ }
from the profit and the share of net income of each partner is declared on his tax return.
9 o, ]7 |- d0 c5 SPartnership can have a different fiscal year than the calendar year.$ F P7 c" E; g7 |, ?& Q* X3 k
AGREEMENT
2 [! c* T, G- y1 c9 {; nIt is very desirable for the partners to have a partnership agreement. It should set out: ^; ^5 c5 m l j
the basic terms of the partnership arrangement, including what business will be conducted,
" }, K9 M+ Y) B% W3 Lprofit and loss sharing formula, whether the partnership will continue on the death of a party,
( p# ~. @/ Y1 p/ E5 C2 Wwhere the account of the partnership will be maintained, and if any partner is to be employed4 _4 `% M; W' Z" V+ C+ V. O
full-time, what salary he may expect. If a partnership agreement is not provided, the provisions% [$ s3 i1 p e
of the Partnership act will apply. Without an agreement the partnership would dissolve on the9 [/ V/ I0 U! T" d! q# _
death of a partner. The partnership agreement should also provide for a formula by which in
8 G* G" Q) \! l" X. @8 bthe event of disagreement a party can withdraw from the partnership. Where no agreement is
, S5 E8 T9 Y* r. ^8 D; @provided, any partner could simply register dissolution of partnership and terminate the
1 e! H k- p, y6 e0 b: hpartnership arrangement. Legal advice is desirable in drafting a partnership agreement.
* V6 n N% b5 l( M sINCORPORATION
2 q( I4 _7 \9 ZIncorporation is often referred to as a limited company. When a limited company is
) z0 @1 j. M6 | ]/ s) l( w+ @formed, it creates a separate legal person, and has a different legal existence. A corporation
3 C) G7 s' {# L8 U* Q; umay be identified by the use of the words "limited", "incorporated", or "corporation".
. T7 G7 Z8 O% X2 @$ i. g5. t- u3 X# s0 R
The word "limited" correctly describes the concept of limited liability of a corporation.' l A4 O& U1 i3 |8 T8 I; ~3 i" F
Unlike the sole proprietorship and partnership when a corporation is formed, the individual or! j) l/ N) | m
the persons forming it are only liable for the amount of investment made by them in the; [0 v2 F2 A3 ?! J5 G& J, [
Corporation. In the event of financial problems arising, the judgment can be enforced only7 Q4 Y0 s9 M( B4 G& H i( a i
against the assets and property owned by the corporation, and the assets of the individual and4 c! ~* X# o: f( Y% k8 u2 i2 Y; b
his home cannot be touched. To ensure this, personal guarantees should be avoided, if possible.
# H# {6 s. ~0 W8 PThe most important reason for forming a corporation is to protect personal assets against the9 k5 c% c; Y# J1 V& U
risks of the business.; N N* w# n, N5 H/ G
It is now possible for a one-man person to form a corporation and he can be the sole
$ K( F* s/ [3 J- L$ Edirector and also the sole shareholder in that company.& Y1 Q' U+ }( W! ^
A corporation is more expensive but desirable for the protection of personal liability.
( G4 w' ~- _' e2 M; K- h7 \$ x1 aJay Chauhan
2 D- }5 _( e4 ~5 x- XBarrister and Solicitor u: z9 ~/ T v- ]1 r
330 Highway 7 East, Suite 309! g$ {: o4 H5 a) ~
Richmond Hill, Ontario
' H$ Y+ b- b8 W: h5 r2 i3 w5 X: nL4B 3P8
- E" i. k$ h* _5 ETel.: (905) 771-12353 J# a; P$ F5 r( u, C
Fax: (905) 771-1237
o$ F8 M E0 ~: n6 _Email: globalmigrations@hotmail.com |
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