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1. there are three kinds of partnerships:8 Y4 b7 V. X4 O% o" m: j; L. L9 `
General Partnership, Limited Partnership, and Public-Private Partnership
' r# I: i$ \6 W8 s7 T* PSee details on http://www.alberta-canada.com/investlocate/1012.html
/ i- U$ y' f. @+ y- C2. See the article:
+ B0 R$ k0 ^8 u6 H) Y/ @5 }. [PROPRIETORSHIP, PARTNERSHIP AND INCORPORATION$ K4 Y# r+ C4 @: t9 \! R' e" w6 s, O
By Jay Chauhan* Z' r! V' j' U4 L
LEGAL FORMS OF BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS) [9 f- S$ i k, o* a
There are three basic ways in which a business organization can exist, namely a sole2 Z- N4 k- K/ Q; Y. O" m
proprietorship, a partnership, and a corporation. A sole proprietorship is where one person
* c+ k a1 C1 X( ausing his own name or any other name, conducts business. In a partnership, there are two or8 n& Y5 o6 S9 g9 `: V$ L& C
more persons carrying on a business activity under their own names or the name of a+ A9 c2 g% P. o8 w
partnership. Incorporations are for legal purposes and entirely separate, legal entity created by0 [$ \3 W/ T/ ^1 \* z
law and can be used by a single person or more persons together.% N4 B0 n( Q8 O; |, ]
SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP( Y* O$ W, U1 ^9 b$ r/ k
If a one-man operation uses a name different that his own, he must register this name under the
3 ]% O. h7 x2 @# tPartnerships Registration Act at 555 Yonge Street, Toronto. The form is relatively simple, and it8 x1 r, b/ K" B
can be done by the individual at a minimal cost of $10.00. In case of financial difficulties, the) D" k1 W: Q! t- n2 @4 S
individual remains personally liable and his home and personal assets can be used to satisfy a* q8 Q0 H9 V, Z
judgement. The registration lasts for five years, and must be renewed at expiry.
* D' }5 L7 }( [" d, CIt is possible for a sole proprietor to call his business by a name such as "ABC Company". The y! ^* L8 w- A, X) \6 T
fact that the word "company" is used does not provide any extra legal protection as
# f5 ]* O& Z; {% Uincorporation does, and this is commonly misunderstood by many. For tax and legal purposes," O( F1 R* q( ^4 A6 r( K
the sole proprietor is the same as the individual, even if he uses a different name.
. Q- i J/ O9 o' K5 H% BPARTNERSHIP
% @ X3 u3 g0 EWhere two or more persons are engaged in a business activity, it is known as a partnership.
2 p+ C' m& z' p7 I. VLike a sole proprietorship, they must register the business name if names other than their own, P" q! B* H( j/ Q6 C
are being used to conduct the business activity. The same provisions of registration apply and% i8 }- R% _9 |- w* Z' K4 B
each partner must sign this form and such declaration lasts five years. Here again, if the word. ?* x5 E% T- B& z( }/ T: z
"company" is used at the end of the name, it provides no extra protection, like incorporation.
1 ~; t/ X) x/ [' c0 {/ K* p2 H$ SEach partner remains fully liable for the debts of the partnership, regardless of which partner' Q+ z0 I8 c: [ V
incurred the liability. In case of financial difficulties, the judgement can be enforced against* t( M( U" G6 I
each and every partner and if any one partner does not have any monies, the other partner who
6 R* N+ N" w0 @) w2 Ohas the property and personal belongings and a house, he would have to meet the liability.+ Z- q8 ]9 a3 S
Each partner is liable too pay tax on his share of the profit made. For legal purposes, the8 n8 u6 S# k. z5 g6 I
liability is full, despite the percentage of partnership interest.. K* N: W3 g6 O$ W: Y( ]) {8 m9 u
2
1 u+ U9 U; N+ L8 H& h0 z& UIt is very desirable for the partners to have a partnership agreement, which sets out the basic" W+ M: ]# M: M
terms of the partnership arrangement, including what business will be conducted, profit and6 N5 S' P; R) ~
loss sharing formula, whether the partnership will continue the death of a party, where the0 r; L- X" o0 F2 r( g# U
account of the partnership will be maintained, and if any partner is to be employed full-time,
) M$ E6 D& W5 s7 T7 r) owhat salary he may expect. If a partnership agreement is not provided, the provisions of the
$ w" a" T# @" DPartnership Act will apply, and in such events, the partnership will dissolve, for example, on
5 _0 y& x/ z) p- J, ythe death of a partner. The partnership agreement also would provide for a formula by which
* N* p3 s! |8 K, _. \upon disagreement, a party could withdraw from the partnership. Where no agreement is" o* |# b5 s" M( }. q; G% S+ ?2 H# ]
provided, any partner could simply register dissolution of partnership and terminate the+ \3 E. R k0 w
partnership arrangement. Legal advice is desirable in drafting a partnership agreement.! X: W- g R! s2 V7 y3 v; K
In case of failure of a partnership to register a business name, no action can be brought by the
% J j4 C1 \- ]/ spartnership to sue a defendant, who fails to pay them.6 r; z$ U3 f2 b
INCORPORATION
" ]1 F5 ?; h/ V3 W t+ gIncorporation is often called a limited company. When a corporate body is formed, it creates a9 J9 F9 r- r% b0 S, a; U; |1 k
separate legal person, and has a different legal existence than the person or persons who formed
1 i/ i( F0 V Ethat legal entity. A corporation may be identified by using the words "limited", "incorporated",- |/ o8 c" c1 W. `9 e2 x
or "corporation".9 C# E. E1 o* {( g6 t1 G/ [
The word "limited" correctly describes the idea of limited liability, when a corporation is7 {8 ^4 l3 n4 E# [4 k
formed. Unlike the sole proprietorship and partnership when a corporation is formed, the! j7 w9 u* n. w: v& Y: Z
individual or the persons forming it are only liable for the amount of investment made by them,1 t8 _& `! `. k4 v7 }3 Z
in the corporation. In case of financial problems arising, the judgment can be enforced only
2 L& u3 O8 I( Q0 Pagainst the assets and property owned by the corporation, and the assets of the individual and
# G7 H% J; @9 M- t5 b Hhis home cannot be touched. This is the most important reason for forming a corporation, as6 B( p( X E% s; }2 G
most people wish to protect their personal assets against the risks of the business.
3 x8 q7 E4 [* K+ x P4 O, }7 XA corporation offers a variety of tax planning benefits. The most common benefit derived is the
) s* U3 I1 ^' `possibility in a small company, of splitting the income between the husband and the wife.+ R. K+ U. N5 P* s2 |
Under the attribution rules of the Income Tax Act, the income derived by the wife is deemed to2 s, m) S& {' C; K( u( P
be that of the husband, but where a corporation is formed, and the wife works for the5 E% N& }8 V/ w2 E" S9 }" `: H
corporation, it is legally possible for the husband to divert a certain amount of income to the: y6 G0 T! Y: {' p) p
wife, provided that she is doing some work in the company.
9 o& c; }: S7 T1 J6 V2 SA corporation is also in effect, an estate-planning vehicle. By issuing common shares to+ R+ @* j& t* u" I6 i. l2 ]" r9 B# g
children in trust, the growth value of the shares of the corporation can be transferred to the
5 O) y& U& ~% f( _8 r! c/ Fchildren without incurring inheritance taxes under Succession Duty Act, and Income Tax Act.
2 T" B$ k% R) {& Z- D# I; lA corporation can be formed either under the Canada Business Corporations Act, or the
: v; C$ C. M8 h) H2 x2 r* LProvincial Legislation, and in Ontario, the Ontario Business Corporations Act. A federal
% G& E+ l* @$ B4 a/ Bcompany is desirable where it may, in the future, have head offices in various provinces. A
; P$ \" _ k1 z: J+ Gfederal company does not require extra-provincial licenses to operate in different provinces. It
" H! P: W' H) w& pdoes require, however in Ontario, a Licence In Mortmain. This license is required when the% J( Y; W) y' Q! X0 S/ w# s
company owns or rents property in Ontario. The Ontario corporation does not require such
/ J; ^$ e' B' }+ @2 Blicense to operate within Ontario, but may require extra-provincial license to operate in other z- P: C* u, W# d& G! ~, i
provinces, except Quebec.
# O; w" X) d; |3& p4 ^) N p# N6 f) F" Z" d* I
It is now possible for a one-man person to form incorporation and he may be the sole director
3 W1 v6 ?: D, t6 B5 J/ ~% U* ialso the sole shareholder in that company. Where there are more shareholders, a difficult8 h, e/ b& r# z ?
decision to make is the proportion of shares owned by each shareholder in the company. A 51%% l7 W' t' H( b6 p9 l- D7 g
control usually gives the right to such shareholders to elect the board of directors and2 t, ]; H) z& f1 c# w9 H4 R/ I6 F+ u
accordingly, exercise effective control of the operations of the business./ H# `0 c0 r* [. e$ w
The directors of a company are responsible to the shareholders and must hold an annual7 h8 E# s, F( a5 D% C
general meeting each year, even if there are only one or two shareholders, who might be the
' m5 B2 K/ K$ Z4 o6 B$ S/ r( xsame persons as the directors.
' J2 ?! I& d7 C, r# kWhere there are two or more shareholders in a company, a buy-sell agreement or some7 T& x w/ \/ b1 g0 u
shareholders agreement is very desirable. Such agreement can set out how a party can8 y8 z4 `* V) @
withdraw as a shareholder, or how the shares will be disposed of upon death or disagreement.( o8 R" w$ A4 h/ K3 }: j
This agreement is commonly ignored by shareholders until a dispute arises, when it is usually) r( d; Y2 M7 t6 S
too late.0 n# n/ j" O7 p9 }! J# W
Competent, legal advice is desirable in forming a company, as the procedure is not simple as# j( v1 Q) j' G4 B! c
the registration of partnership or proprietorship is.
0 _1 Z2 @+ P, {. @Chauhan & Associates; m( ]7 P3 U, U1 {& _
Barristers and Solicitors7 M. Y. W6 K6 ?* i2 [
330 Hwy. No. 7 East, Suite 309. U( Y) a+ p% N6 }' |
Richmond Hill, Ontario
4 T' u' f0 [% a0 [5 {! ?L4B 3P8( W/ ]7 G. p$ j: H8 f1 s) l5 @6 k
Tel. (905) 771-1235( F) D( H/ H1 M4 F
Fax (905) 771-1237
& @0 b k l: v m1 o# I4 r, vEmail: globalmigrations@hotmail.com
, J6 w- s- B3 F9 w2 r% i, x1 @2 j4; p* e+ m# m$ _3 W- U# U
PARTNERSHIP MEMO% ?# q$ J7 e7 X$ y
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
+ s4 l* S: B( O, S6 f1 _' v+ FWhere two or more persons are engaged in a business activity, it is known as a0 S3 R4 s% a1 @
partnership. They must register the business name if names other than their own names are$ c$ A: b- Y8 Q( g2 O
being used to conduct the business activity. Partners must sign the declaration form.* a$ T* P; g' R
Registration is valid for 5 years. If the partnership is not registered no action can be brought by
9 N# @0 C# ^" a/ ~* Athe partnership against a debtor for recovery of money until the partnership is registered.$ r/ ?+ w7 [, R s1 |# R7 @) V5 S& B. q
If you want me to assist you in the preparation or registration or partnership please let
) B; m; j! F" W; sme know./ D8 F& B Q5 `$ X. k8 J
LIABILITY: M$ i3 {( J& S) Q+ T
Each partner remains fully liable for the debts of the partnership, regardless of which
; v: a1 c' D4 O9 zpartner incurred the liability. In the event of financial difficulties, a judgment can be enforced7 S) x# z9 n* X; |3 d4 ^
against each and every partner. If any one partner does not have nay money, the other partner: X0 T4 j* i' w) V, l! B5 T& `$ h
who has the property and personal belongings and a house would have to meet the liability.8 f4 v! ?" {* r( \2 N
Using the name company for a partnership does not eliminate personal liability.
7 Q2 S/ X$ {4 g. X( gTAX
+ T2 j; x9 h1 q$ pEach partner is liable to pay tax on his share of the profit made. Expenses are deducted& q! Z1 Q4 {" O+ o2 s7 ~" H6 k
from the profit and the share of net income of each partner is declared on his tax return.
7 L2 n7 N1 K& o8 u* pPartnership can have a different fiscal year than the calendar year.! R# v8 c5 N; H& `7 J
AGREEMENT
3 x7 I! c) V, _5 P1 j, ?It is very desirable for the partners to have a partnership agreement. It should set out
- D8 @# n8 N; P2 O- gthe basic terms of the partnership arrangement, including what business will be conducted,2 ^7 A* l8 B/ O8 K, _2 L
profit and loss sharing formula, whether the partnership will continue on the death of a party,. P: F- ~7 i9 u" h
where the account of the partnership will be maintained, and if any partner is to be employed$ `: O0 n" Z& K8 Y: d( |+ j
full-time, what salary he may expect. If a partnership agreement is not provided, the provisions5 J& c& i l | v; [" ?# Y, T9 ?6 e
of the Partnership act will apply. Without an agreement the partnership would dissolve on the
- y9 e4 \% V* P4 Xdeath of a partner. The partnership agreement should also provide for a formula by which in
7 ^3 S/ T: d5 g) }the event of disagreement a party can withdraw from the partnership. Where no agreement is4 `, W( ]( P% L9 r: r% d$ m; B
provided, any partner could simply register dissolution of partnership and terminate the+ H4 _& }1 [! g& h
partnership arrangement. Legal advice is desirable in drafting a partnership agreement.0 d# }& {3 O6 U7 n% Z1 ~8 Q7 w
INCORPORATION
5 R$ c9 d8 n9 K; s1 HIncorporation is often referred to as a limited company. When a limited company is
) ?& \" f1 ~9 ~2 U0 ]formed, it creates a separate legal person, and has a different legal existence. A corporation
) ?5 R5 U- R3 F2 ?, ?may be identified by the use of the words "limited", "incorporated", or "corporation".
; j7 y# k+ Z7 I- j% k4 n* Y59 o \! Y% x# n
The word "limited" correctly describes the concept of limited liability of a corporation.
9 i) `" R' c& N: b& oUnlike the sole proprietorship and partnership when a corporation is formed, the individual or
# r: K( Y* Z) w3 M. V9 Dthe persons forming it are only liable for the amount of investment made by them in the( z9 |7 y5 p+ t: t+ I
Corporation. In the event of financial problems arising, the judgment can be enforced only
5 N2 _: q- N2 K# Jagainst the assets and property owned by the corporation, and the assets of the individual and
; S1 U2 N: l ]! khis home cannot be touched. To ensure this, personal guarantees should be avoided, if possible.
5 @8 i! Q3 T; H7 DThe most important reason for forming a corporation is to protect personal assets against the0 Z6 i. q v# T8 Z9 F+ U t" W
risks of the business.
, D. v: N3 e& g5 `It is now possible for a one-man person to form a corporation and he can be the sole
6 R% z) P0 [6 `9 W9 u, _& a7 o- vdirector and also the sole shareholder in that company.
+ Y4 f$ g1 U6 y$ }- [5 r! NA corporation is more expensive but desirable for the protection of personal liability.% Z/ n0 g, T/ b5 i2 n4 H
Jay Chauhan
: F, d3 H0 {3 |$ ^: I" U; PBarrister and Solicitor- p% h' G! C4 C* W+ d
330 Highway 7 East, Suite 309* P B9 n! J* R5 V
Richmond Hill, Ontario
% w- ^3 A& d; A4 p1 Q9 Z6 iL4B 3P8* C3 Y$ ^% ?. r5 i) X2 J* J3 P/ j4 e; U; ?
Tel.: (905) 771-1235/ l8 M$ p8 Q/ y6 j2 U0 y7 N+ c
Fax: (905) 771-1237; ^! A$ H# y2 @ ^7 P
Email: globalmigrations@hotmail.com |
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