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1. there are three kinds of partnerships:
4 @4 K8 L& i9 ? r- ?* ^General Partnership, Limited Partnership, and Public-Private Partnership
& X: m4 F% c5 u6 u1 ]7 pSee details on http://www.alberta-canada.com/investlocate/1012.html
: {: O5 p2 a, B/ N9 }& l' ~2. See the article:
; |) f! s0 n9 A1 q3 d1 wPROPRIETORSHIP, PARTNERSHIP AND INCORPORATION
4 f) @2 i# I' Z4 R% d& K mBy Jay Chauhan2 N" s: ~: C& K9 K. M
LEGAL FORMS OF BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS
) D- D' i7 K- y; I T% R) ?& aThere are three basic ways in which a business organization can exist, namely a sole
; G t! O4 Q, P: @6 A# Q( t! ~proprietorship, a partnership, and a corporation. A sole proprietorship is where one person3 p5 W# |* C+ S# V1 H+ g
using his own name or any other name, conducts business. In a partnership, there are two or
' W) e8 \( Z: k7 C' i7 @more persons carrying on a business activity under their own names or the name of a
0 ]2 m8 O# s4 i% h2 P% ]partnership. Incorporations are for legal purposes and entirely separate, legal entity created by
6 ` g g. p% {3 x! c0 I, elaw and can be used by a single person or more persons together.0 E5 W9 ?4 y# y
SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP
; Q6 }7 m* Z' r6 p% T: \. fIf a one-man operation uses a name different that his own, he must register this name under the
7 _# _& a( K s' V9 p" ZPartnerships Registration Act at 555 Yonge Street, Toronto. The form is relatively simple, and it
" ^$ {6 E* m! w: Y3 Z, q3 T( ]can be done by the individual at a minimal cost of $10.00. In case of financial difficulties, the0 O2 U" E6 w- N9 z
individual remains personally liable and his home and personal assets can be used to satisfy a
4 |1 l4 `4 @( c- O- Xjudgement. The registration lasts for five years, and must be renewed at expiry.
* H/ o, r! d9 y8 P3 sIt is possible for a sole proprietor to call his business by a name such as "ABC Company". The
& Y8 Q. O, S! C, W$ Wfact that the word "company" is used does not provide any extra legal protection as8 U6 ]4 s/ E/ f2 }- n* I$ o% G. F
incorporation does, and this is commonly misunderstood by many. For tax and legal purposes,
: Y( y7 Z/ ?; T8 C% ^$ R9 Xthe sole proprietor is the same as the individual, even if he uses a different name.
; z, V8 r) {: v. I3 o& d0 P; EPARTNERSHIP* P; O% q/ S0 o5 q' [
Where two or more persons are engaged in a business activity, it is known as a partnership.& M t* ]+ y* t. H8 q
Like a sole proprietorship, they must register the business name if names other than their own
0 R) h/ }' O! r& E! R8 Q* Uare being used to conduct the business activity. The same provisions of registration apply and
" ^. U: B8 M8 [- f( b7 Oeach partner must sign this form and such declaration lasts five years. Here again, if the word ?3 @1 F, F; D; v' R) }
"company" is used at the end of the name, it provides no extra protection, like incorporation.
+ U7 e* F: w+ U# g/ t0 n6 J8 TEach partner remains fully liable for the debts of the partnership, regardless of which partner
& k2 r4 s! E6 u1 S/ D; Xincurred the liability. In case of financial difficulties, the judgement can be enforced against
! @2 f* i: d3 f) o" veach and every partner and if any one partner does not have any monies, the other partner who
* T) M- v5 d1 W/ W- ]3 ]1 Zhas the property and personal belongings and a house, he would have to meet the liability.4 g/ U% G# I2 a! ^
Each partner is liable too pay tax on his share of the profit made. For legal purposes, the1 ?( f( |. G$ H& u1 i+ [
liability is full, despite the percentage of partnership interest.# X4 J" C2 T) i) U- q: G! m
28 r# Q- v' D; X' A b2 F, W* n) I' D
It is very desirable for the partners to have a partnership agreement, which sets out the basic. _; k, ?; P+ c- L
terms of the partnership arrangement, including what business will be conducted, profit and: ?& ?) I4 z+ f! V
loss sharing formula, whether the partnership will continue the death of a party, where the
. W4 c; B! a. T; X# U/ ^account of the partnership will be maintained, and if any partner is to be employed full-time,8 S: y' B/ L* b. a3 Q
what salary he may expect. If a partnership agreement is not provided, the provisions of the& I2 J, O8 q! `0 ~& _+ E. }
Partnership Act will apply, and in such events, the partnership will dissolve, for example, on' P. g# }5 f( _- c! ]
the death of a partner. The partnership agreement also would provide for a formula by which
& d9 Y$ `! {4 h2 U1 C) m7 Aupon disagreement, a party could withdraw from the partnership. Where no agreement is' \' C7 C# f+ Q, a6 Y7 U
provided, any partner could simply register dissolution of partnership and terminate the
, j( L/ b( k0 m F, J6 g4 X+ }partnership arrangement. Legal advice is desirable in drafting a partnership agreement.
. {! S9 J: t+ C+ ]' M9 o, iIn case of failure of a partnership to register a business name, no action can be brought by the- b# a# j) ~& C7 F
partnership to sue a defendant, who fails to pay them.
. G) h% K C$ v1 k8 c. J% I+ S. LINCORPORATION
3 L- T1 p5 V, A. t: e, h; hIncorporation is often called a limited company. When a corporate body is formed, it creates a7 j+ y( B% K4 w6 u, M: B# t& N8 O
separate legal person, and has a different legal existence than the person or persons who formed% J8 M# K) b: V+ J& r
that legal entity. A corporation may be identified by using the words "limited", "incorporated",
& o2 U- e+ }4 bor "corporation". j/ b% p3 d& z7 U4 x
The word "limited" correctly describes the idea of limited liability, when a corporation is
8 W# {) q$ G: N6 p+ Q* c! x: pformed. Unlike the sole proprietorship and partnership when a corporation is formed, the
& V; A1 o+ b. E* v8 g) P4 y qindividual or the persons forming it are only liable for the amount of investment made by them,- S' p5 d; C- \) W' a
in the corporation. In case of financial problems arising, the judgment can be enforced only
2 H0 v- ?* M; T0 W% i. j; ~against the assets and property owned by the corporation, and the assets of the individual and% B6 U: L7 X. ?, ]) N) y ?. d
his home cannot be touched. This is the most important reason for forming a corporation, as6 _, @& Z; ~" ^) ^
most people wish to protect their personal assets against the risks of the business.
* p( L; r6 S% N) i3 _# w( _' O ^4 ?A corporation offers a variety of tax planning benefits. The most common benefit derived is the
$ r! P. d: T/ Tpossibility in a small company, of splitting the income between the husband and the wife.
5 S: G: h- K b3 G( v5 {Under the attribution rules of the Income Tax Act, the income derived by the wife is deemed to
2 Y' o) j d( D; W& G& Nbe that of the husband, but where a corporation is formed, and the wife works for the
9 ~, ^$ t9 F7 J8 Z. ^corporation, it is legally possible for the husband to divert a certain amount of income to the
5 b( P# Y9 J( H2 G: n# d9 v$ ~" Dwife, provided that she is doing some work in the company.. M0 e: `$ V- o6 _
A corporation is also in effect, an estate-planning vehicle. By issuing common shares to
/ H2 W2 o# u% g" Q1 N* xchildren in trust, the growth value of the shares of the corporation can be transferred to the
/ d' S2 V! p' Q3 E* p: R# e6 Qchildren without incurring inheritance taxes under Succession Duty Act, and Income Tax Act.0 U3 ]. Z/ @7 q0 J
A corporation can be formed either under the Canada Business Corporations Act, or the% B3 n3 I1 r$ |' u$ ?
Provincial Legislation, and in Ontario, the Ontario Business Corporations Act. A federal
7 Q3 t) l% K* y; n& Y2 gcompany is desirable where it may, in the future, have head offices in various provinces. A
, p/ d/ H: ^! p1 Hfederal company does not require extra-provincial licenses to operate in different provinces. It
+ [1 D+ ]( Q+ T7 s) Kdoes require, however in Ontario, a Licence In Mortmain. This license is required when the
, L& l9 @: _# E; \4 K \company owns or rents property in Ontario. The Ontario corporation does not require such9 r/ _+ s X3 W7 B
license to operate within Ontario, but may require extra-provincial license to operate in other
) m4 _9 q; i6 b1 P5 j- d$ Fprovinces, except Quebec.
: g. @) D% [- x5 s3; Z+ I! c' b6 q7 K6 p% q! @! \/ J
It is now possible for a one-man person to form incorporation and he may be the sole director1 G* u5 J; Z" [6 w7 b
also the sole shareholder in that company. Where there are more shareholders, a difficult9 `. \4 T9 H) x8 N; H( k! [
decision to make is the proportion of shares owned by each shareholder in the company. A 51%: Q+ I5 \+ U4 r* A6 O
control usually gives the right to such shareholders to elect the board of directors and U4 ~) `: w# M Z6 x
accordingly, exercise effective control of the operations of the business.
9 J4 n+ e6 f7 j/ J" ]The directors of a company are responsible to the shareholders and must hold an annual
& F) D! o9 _( l' pgeneral meeting each year, even if there are only one or two shareholders, who might be the D e, f3 O7 Y0 Q' i4 S
same persons as the directors.* F4 }: d( R0 y" o. e
Where there are two or more shareholders in a company, a buy-sell agreement or some
/ _5 w/ R& C( fshareholders agreement is very desirable. Such agreement can set out how a party can
1 ?, _ v$ R3 L- R1 v$ G6 |0 Pwithdraw as a shareholder, or how the shares will be disposed of upon death or disagreement.
% y$ }$ u; i7 n! ^) {9 L' pThis agreement is commonly ignored by shareholders until a dispute arises, when it is usually- |/ F+ [; _# B
too late.# k, L9 g$ n( f; M3 U# j
Competent, legal advice is desirable in forming a company, as the procedure is not simple as
4 d( j$ X+ P0 @# e9 f8 }$ M) ]the registration of partnership or proprietorship is.
+ p! M% N9 |) L0 l: H2 W: _Chauhan & Associates
4 F: g2 _* f8 Q* X9 a7 xBarristers and Solicitors
' T$ r& Z& H* P) [4 r330 Hwy. No. 7 East, Suite 309
4 ^+ A0 y) Z; F4 ^7 I' o% h) zRichmond Hill, Ontario* z X" q- B0 x
L4B 3P8
, v3 G9 s$ F$ g' {6 V" E3 ETel. (905) 771-1235$ V/ ?- m" {0 ~, G
Fax (905) 771-1237
6 o% ]8 V; S, G/ s* VEmail: globalmigrations@hotmail.com
4 V* q& R5 i2 ]% r6 Q4
% U/ G9 `! U: ^* m! zPARTNERSHIP MEMO; \- k' o/ l* K8 M
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS$ J: b( v; a. I: v3 z
Where two or more persons are engaged in a business activity, it is known as a
9 ~) X/ a$ W# c cpartnership. They must register the business name if names other than their own names are
, |: A: i o- [- h, ~being used to conduct the business activity. Partners must sign the declaration form.
, Q, Q w+ X6 p) j% n4 e+ {5 VRegistration is valid for 5 years. If the partnership is not registered no action can be brought by! a* y3 i" H6 `7 e' q
the partnership against a debtor for recovery of money until the partnership is registered.5 `5 q% W" c+ f* \; a
If you want me to assist you in the preparation or registration or partnership please let- [( R9 b# n+ {+ i! |5 i4 t
me know. {$ d" {; V6 w8 K
LIABILITY' J, E8 t# k# G g9 u1 p: k' x
Each partner remains fully liable for the debts of the partnership, regardless of which, Z! p5 {; N+ j7 }5 a7 m6 Z
partner incurred the liability. In the event of financial difficulties, a judgment can be enforced
& K6 K4 f! G1 ~9 z, L; i) \5 M$ `against each and every partner. If any one partner does not have nay money, the other partner. N5 W E' W9 A! s' E! V( J
who has the property and personal belongings and a house would have to meet the liability.. o2 d; }4 S# r- X9 L
Using the name company for a partnership does not eliminate personal liability. x9 |1 Z4 n3 f; Y( S- d1 A% O
TAX
* T& s. S2 E( ~4 k" A8 P( cEach partner is liable to pay tax on his share of the profit made. Expenses are deducted' K3 k! j- y) H3 t1 ~9 H9 ]
from the profit and the share of net income of each partner is declared on his tax return.7 D' `8 v9 K: N
Partnership can have a different fiscal year than the calendar year.0 W. G# t' o2 m6 X" [$ `* k3 u
AGREEMENT* G$ w+ W" p1 T! X( z$ u, p
It is very desirable for the partners to have a partnership agreement. It should set out* d8 \) O) v+ n/ Y/ L, t$ Q
the basic terms of the partnership arrangement, including what business will be conducted,2 U4 p0 {4 U% B
profit and loss sharing formula, whether the partnership will continue on the death of a party,
* t, D: R. c: ^where the account of the partnership will be maintained, and if any partner is to be employed' _3 @3 z5 G7 O P1 m. s' _ K( i6 U
full-time, what salary he may expect. If a partnership agreement is not provided, the provisions% @: s& D5 E7 E0 v
of the Partnership act will apply. Without an agreement the partnership would dissolve on the
6 X7 r, n, i8 n5 b0 rdeath of a partner. The partnership agreement should also provide for a formula by which in
( ~8 T1 z9 M0 @the event of disagreement a party can withdraw from the partnership. Where no agreement is
7 t9 }& F: z: u. N8 R5 Zprovided, any partner could simply register dissolution of partnership and terminate the) N: J1 f5 m( a U7 w5 H, F
partnership arrangement. Legal advice is desirable in drafting a partnership agreement.
% |) M* b, x ]* o; ]INCORPORATION: K! f" ~8 Z) J1 Y/ ]
Incorporation is often referred to as a limited company. When a limited company is" ?- @6 S/ }( N5 S- B( B
formed, it creates a separate legal person, and has a different legal existence. A corporation
7 F# P) m& U- t4 H; r0 T! mmay be identified by the use of the words "limited", "incorporated", or "corporation".+ g$ a" W8 z% P9 K/ G8 j: |; c5 u7 ~
5. T/ l* ^4 `' f% {" m
The word "limited" correctly describes the concept of limited liability of a corporation.6 y! X- ~( Y# H
Unlike the sole proprietorship and partnership when a corporation is formed, the individual or
2 u7 z+ H' k1 j! pthe persons forming it are only liable for the amount of investment made by them in the j. m6 B5 L: i6 w0 j
Corporation. In the event of financial problems arising, the judgment can be enforced only
3 c* }3 i3 V( M T5 p9 a# Eagainst the assets and property owned by the corporation, and the assets of the individual and
; l/ `! N1 \( C0 A2 shis home cannot be touched. To ensure this, personal guarantees should be avoided, if possible.
- n9 S1 U, J& L) `. fThe most important reason for forming a corporation is to protect personal assets against the
6 N# l e1 h% B% \8 {7 orisks of the business.! x- p+ T! k' M- I6 d; i8 u* J; K
It is now possible for a one-man person to form a corporation and he can be the sole7 H3 Q* m/ D9 ~
director and also the sole shareholder in that company.
+ ?9 V' `" e& m9 tA corporation is more expensive but desirable for the protection of personal liability.
9 F; d: d D& Q fJay Chauhan- t6 `+ G# |1 M1 B
Barrister and Solicitor
8 j/ \0 ~1 h& I( K5 c; b330 Highway 7 East, Suite 309
* @* k2 D: r: b* V! tRichmond Hill, Ontario
0 ]& I7 j& c/ z7 HL4B 3P8
6 v# p0 D- n* o; VTel.: (905) 771-1235
6 M1 M) }) H2 v9 s9 JFax: (905) 771-1237
* Z' ~4 l b+ XEmail: globalmigrations@hotmail.com |
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