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1. there are three kinds of partnerships:
$ G* r9 e& a: r# VGeneral Partnership, Limited Partnership, and Public-Private Partnership. \/ f5 W4 o1 Q; F: @
See details on http://www.alberta-canada.com/investlocate/1012.html
. G6 H! L" J8 l2. See the article:$ X% u- G. z0 b* M+ U
PROPRIETORSHIP, PARTNERSHIP AND INCORPORATION, O1 n/ L% @) g5 R' `, ]
By Jay Chauhan
6 R+ I0 S; m2 L, g7 V0 \0 uLEGAL FORMS OF BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS- |) V. R7 f( D* P: R
There are three basic ways in which a business organization can exist, namely a sole
2 O. ^5 T( w; ~4 Q8 y' Wproprietorship, a partnership, and a corporation. A sole proprietorship is where one person4 h0 n7 c; N4 j N7 C
using his own name or any other name, conducts business. In a partnership, there are two or
' Z0 n" s" U' Gmore persons carrying on a business activity under their own names or the name of a
, `8 r1 h0 z) bpartnership. Incorporations are for legal purposes and entirely separate, legal entity created by+ F/ M1 ~7 Z* q" C" |1 S4 L7 v
law and can be used by a single person or more persons together.
: e# M4 N, n( ^& i, m0 A/ i4 TSOLE PROPRIETORSHIP
$ V3 Y1 C1 E* r( s4 ]' j% QIf a one-man operation uses a name different that his own, he must register this name under the
( T: E7 y7 T! x+ ?Partnerships Registration Act at 555 Yonge Street, Toronto. The form is relatively simple, and it
* a- Z) J* ~6 R4 a- Y; j0 V$ @9 T9 Ecan be done by the individual at a minimal cost of $10.00. In case of financial difficulties, the9 s7 y, }, O; ~2 c- f- t, g3 w
individual remains personally liable and his home and personal assets can be used to satisfy a- r1 x. D7 e, n; y8 {) `
judgement. The registration lasts for five years, and must be renewed at expiry.: _- x& \- e7 l" c( l3 E2 G
It is possible for a sole proprietor to call his business by a name such as "ABC Company". The
, l" p2 ~, @; \7 p6 yfact that the word "company" is used does not provide any extra legal protection as
5 n) B/ B- Y6 G3 m1 w+ X# Aincorporation does, and this is commonly misunderstood by many. For tax and legal purposes,
* o' V1 D! n: w. F$ }" t: zthe sole proprietor is the same as the individual, even if he uses a different name.- T$ ?1 \8 K' j5 z
PARTNERSHIP J S' T3 v; D8 u% e
Where two or more persons are engaged in a business activity, it is known as a partnership.& |) s8 g) c: t* z: F
Like a sole proprietorship, they must register the business name if names other than their own
8 e4 F; _8 C4 |$ u1 Y# ware being used to conduct the business activity. The same provisions of registration apply and
8 J5 X4 `( f4 w" \4 ueach partner must sign this form and such declaration lasts five years. Here again, if the word
( d4 t+ s1 }3 F5 e"company" is used at the end of the name, it provides no extra protection, like incorporation.( H2 H& [! O! n7 e
Each partner remains fully liable for the debts of the partnership, regardless of which partner3 e# c9 F# `4 j! a$ |) ?( U' C
incurred the liability. In case of financial difficulties, the judgement can be enforced against
0 S2 Z: X/ M \$ Ueach and every partner and if any one partner does not have any monies, the other partner who
* A6 Q1 X' {% W2 L3 j# Vhas the property and personal belongings and a house, he would have to meet the liability.
* e+ \! i1 `2 N4 kEach partner is liable too pay tax on his share of the profit made. For legal purposes, the8 c. x3 ~+ y% K2 j5 |/ b
liability is full, despite the percentage of partnership interest.. E& p7 c9 ]: Q$ V" q$ P
2
/ n* |; V( w i3 p! L2 h8 V4 ~It is very desirable for the partners to have a partnership agreement, which sets out the basic3 Y1 F: ?3 R N+ q3 O/ _
terms of the partnership arrangement, including what business will be conducted, profit and
( \$ \# U& F7 X/ {- C, }: Vloss sharing formula, whether the partnership will continue the death of a party, where the
2 Y E9 J* `: i) J; B& F$ daccount of the partnership will be maintained, and if any partner is to be employed full-time,: m0 h0 K) z) x# j! c& O) B8 m" A- ?
what salary he may expect. If a partnership agreement is not provided, the provisions of the! O2 V. ^( o$ w: [. K5 F4 M0 o
Partnership Act will apply, and in such events, the partnership will dissolve, for example, on
1 M$ q; B& u$ {8 |. xthe death of a partner. The partnership agreement also would provide for a formula by which
5 Q3 b0 e( a0 kupon disagreement, a party could withdraw from the partnership. Where no agreement is
8 n! K N$ S: p/ zprovided, any partner could simply register dissolution of partnership and terminate the
A5 l% G% J. ?& Q8 l' ]/ {partnership arrangement. Legal advice is desirable in drafting a partnership agreement.) Z) M, J+ Q: E! X( a: g
In case of failure of a partnership to register a business name, no action can be brought by the
. R7 v% K) {! cpartnership to sue a defendant, who fails to pay them.9 Y$ }" {" D+ [$ n; T
INCORPORATION4 u: }: i0 k/ n, n! O! Z" ?
Incorporation is often called a limited company. When a corporate body is formed, it creates a5 ~+ T0 j$ a7 B' W
separate legal person, and has a different legal existence than the person or persons who formed& `' q* i% M S0 ^/ J
that legal entity. A corporation may be identified by using the words "limited", "incorporated",$ `. f$ Q2 u; G6 Y" r& p* w/ r& n
or "corporation".# o( E+ n4 k2 z' O, r' r
The word "limited" correctly describes the idea of limited liability, when a corporation is
* z: w/ p/ U7 tformed. Unlike the sole proprietorship and partnership when a corporation is formed, the
6 i: {, p, R1 \3 }, ^( V' Lindividual or the persons forming it are only liable for the amount of investment made by them,
$ `7 r: J( g+ M' Bin the corporation. In case of financial problems arising, the judgment can be enforced only
* Y& j9 }2 R" Lagainst the assets and property owned by the corporation, and the assets of the individual and0 v; d/ W" B8 b7 P
his home cannot be touched. This is the most important reason for forming a corporation, as
" V7 E6 ?# b* C$ r3 C- W0 Umost people wish to protect their personal assets against the risks of the business.) I1 I' b7 J3 U( x" U
A corporation offers a variety of tax planning benefits. The most common benefit derived is the* L' u' e& }! z$ o. k2 N
possibility in a small company, of splitting the income between the husband and the wife.: w' w& T& N$ s$ }
Under the attribution rules of the Income Tax Act, the income derived by the wife is deemed to9 k# \- V( F5 }9 a
be that of the husband, but where a corporation is formed, and the wife works for the
9 p/ [4 J' O$ {corporation, it is legally possible for the husband to divert a certain amount of income to the
9 Y! { A& g, i2 \' Q4 [wife, provided that she is doing some work in the company.
" f: h ^. X2 x+ o! FA corporation is also in effect, an estate-planning vehicle. By issuing common shares to
5 [" g3 [' c' H# zchildren in trust, the growth value of the shares of the corporation can be transferred to the+ B: N: q/ o8 w
children without incurring inheritance taxes under Succession Duty Act, and Income Tax Act. Q; P4 r0 I4 y \ g' p' L
A corporation can be formed either under the Canada Business Corporations Act, or the3 [& V6 c+ v+ E# t
Provincial Legislation, and in Ontario, the Ontario Business Corporations Act. A federal
9 q+ S F: B6 v* A+ G9 dcompany is desirable where it may, in the future, have head offices in various provinces. A
4 U8 _+ t0 s1 ], x0 F' |8 |federal company does not require extra-provincial licenses to operate in different provinces. It3 J2 d( Z8 `% C8 n6 r1 ?2 E
does require, however in Ontario, a Licence In Mortmain. This license is required when the
) o! l% z% o1 C& M _( W( Vcompany owns or rents property in Ontario. The Ontario corporation does not require such
( G2 g7 v8 R! {' g" hlicense to operate within Ontario, but may require extra-provincial license to operate in other
% o( t! K) W1 n- k: `& a- Cprovinces, except Quebec.( O; Y {# ^3 E4 W
3; v- D V1 W. p3 o7 _ @" Q
It is now possible for a one-man person to form incorporation and he may be the sole director1 |' I( S! V' S" Y# N; y
also the sole shareholder in that company. Where there are more shareholders, a difficult
[2 p9 v3 O5 O2 d! Cdecision to make is the proportion of shares owned by each shareholder in the company. A 51%1 T% i6 N5 H3 a( k8 F: K
control usually gives the right to such shareholders to elect the board of directors and6 ]% M) F8 p2 Q! W
accordingly, exercise effective control of the operations of the business.9 m% D5 y$ z- l' c6 }# D
The directors of a company are responsible to the shareholders and must hold an annual) u# t( D, G- b
general meeting each year, even if there are only one or two shareholders, who might be the
6 m' v$ N+ {1 A4 a; k$ xsame persons as the directors.
0 ^( u& x( x" l' H" G4 ]Where there are two or more shareholders in a company, a buy-sell agreement or some5 O$ x+ m8 u8 d. U. g8 S
shareholders agreement is very desirable. Such agreement can set out how a party can
7 f9 Y4 w, j* `4 h& Iwithdraw as a shareholder, or how the shares will be disposed of upon death or disagreement.
; r; s% y- b$ M$ F/ T tThis agreement is commonly ignored by shareholders until a dispute arises, when it is usually) F6 V) t# e: ^+ u" d# i9 ^
too late.. ^7 p' d% h' m0 @
Competent, legal advice is desirable in forming a company, as the procedure is not simple as. v5 Y5 l" `0 t' w4 \2 o
the registration of partnership or proprietorship is.
( @- ` [0 E3 N6 o( I! GChauhan & Associates* Y. j, x! A( q9 n
Barristers and Solicitors
n) Z7 m, v7 Y330 Hwy. No. 7 East, Suite 309" l) l/ l/ p6 q" _( h8 P
Richmond Hill, Ontario+ E g# i0 N% e8 f% R
L4B 3P87 p) }; r; c9 |& x/ f( \2 s; \2 D8 R
Tel. (905) 771-1235
* y' F, P- V& ]# c& D( |Fax (905) 771-1237
% c& d% w* |$ i& {, R& y3 v+ z, {Email: globalmigrations@hotmail.com$ R, G- I! n: A+ S0 X
43 G# W, N2 \( W' T+ C3 z: T+ U
PARTNERSHIP MEMO" o' z6 c- C& [2 O& \; f% ~
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
8 ~( N/ E. ], @) zWhere two or more persons are engaged in a business activity, it is known as a2 C, M7 X! k6 g) o$ B: ^
partnership. They must register the business name if names other than their own names are
5 D+ n* ~" a/ Bbeing used to conduct the business activity. Partners must sign the declaration form. f$ n% n+ I. E' X
Registration is valid for 5 years. If the partnership is not registered no action can be brought by
1 J7 ~# p9 t; z2 B5 M7 P4 ?the partnership against a debtor for recovery of money until the partnership is registered.4 I; p1 D0 G; B) D) W+ i# ~0 P
If you want me to assist you in the preparation or registration or partnership please let y0 J1 R% y: D7 x# W
me know.' F* @ ^9 w, w+ @4 s2 o$ _
LIABILITY! \& J5 X; n1 s: \
Each partner remains fully liable for the debts of the partnership, regardless of which4 e2 c* P# c& D. s. F" \/ f
partner incurred the liability. In the event of financial difficulties, a judgment can be enforced( m( @ @7 M, c, X1 [. X2 Z& g
against each and every partner. If any one partner does not have nay money, the other partner
% ?& \- _/ ?3 w# F7 K0 Bwho has the property and personal belongings and a house would have to meet the liability.5 m* t" H. y) v% |8 W; Z
Using the name company for a partnership does not eliminate personal liability. |8 |) P$ |% [
TAX
6 R* P( B6 y! s& S9 w1 XEach partner is liable to pay tax on his share of the profit made. Expenses are deducted
6 P# h7 M/ c8 i0 p0 ~from the profit and the share of net income of each partner is declared on his tax return.
: r8 Q1 x5 U' O% t4 s$ E1 ZPartnership can have a different fiscal year than the calendar year. v X% h# X3 J- V5 p
AGREEMENT, A- N: e" O7 p o1 h
It is very desirable for the partners to have a partnership agreement. It should set out' n5 q1 k6 M4 ]$ P6 X, d
the basic terms of the partnership arrangement, including what business will be conducted,
5 Y5 V" O* d! P! I: k' l9 Vprofit and loss sharing formula, whether the partnership will continue on the death of a party,
7 i( c" k: J- [8 cwhere the account of the partnership will be maintained, and if any partner is to be employed3 {1 l7 V( z) z4 A
full-time, what salary he may expect. If a partnership agreement is not provided, the provisions
# C! s# m0 p! u; ?, J) Zof the Partnership act will apply. Without an agreement the partnership would dissolve on the/ U# s4 V. n/ F1 I9 }3 l
death of a partner. The partnership agreement should also provide for a formula by which in' Z; ? r3 m# E! w+ ~, j* D r
the event of disagreement a party can withdraw from the partnership. Where no agreement is
! ?! T' Y- K: Q4 b @+ @+ sprovided, any partner could simply register dissolution of partnership and terminate the
% y0 L* b7 I- m& upartnership arrangement. Legal advice is desirable in drafting a partnership agreement.! z( n( M/ \2 N" j
INCORPORATION" y0 a; q, P; j
Incorporation is often referred to as a limited company. When a limited company is# J9 _/ {; Q4 m* Z' w' Q' q/ z- L
formed, it creates a separate legal person, and has a different legal existence. A corporation6 \8 x/ `6 s/ L% `; W
may be identified by the use of the words "limited", "incorporated", or "corporation".) u- b; A. ?5 p, h) H# h: J8 j" N
59 @# n+ k& R7 m6 B3 G% h1 Y
The word "limited" correctly describes the concept of limited liability of a corporation.
6 B6 L, [. ?' ?Unlike the sole proprietorship and partnership when a corporation is formed, the individual or
# c" z- b6 O8 ?the persons forming it are only liable for the amount of investment made by them in the+ P5 B- j" X5 [( W# f4 q
Corporation. In the event of financial problems arising, the judgment can be enforced only2 V0 E* D/ W( L: G( N# v
against the assets and property owned by the corporation, and the assets of the individual and& C, P4 M3 S3 I" {; @: n. {
his home cannot be touched. To ensure this, personal guarantees should be avoided, if possible.( q' T! t, ~6 C& B) G
The most important reason for forming a corporation is to protect personal assets against the; m% t# k- j& G5 ^7 a9 Y
risks of the business.6 X0 Y9 E; ]% s9 c3 V* u3 w- u& t
It is now possible for a one-man person to form a corporation and he can be the sole
0 z% {4 M9 r- @. N" Jdirector and also the sole shareholder in that company.
! r% q$ n3 ]% b2 W" [( |: yA corporation is more expensive but desirable for the protection of personal liability.) @+ m. o, M3 ]
Jay Chauhan0 N' P! N- Z- C9 U' F- O Q' [! p
Barrister and Solicitor* O- {6 ?+ o7 G3 b7 Q
330 Highway 7 East, Suite 309* _& Y! z( I( f# Z1 {" V
Richmond Hill, Ontario! c ~5 P! Y* g+ W
L4B 3P8
( C* o' Z' {" ]9 \2 l" eTel.: (905) 771-1235$ H ^2 D; O, V& f
Fax: (905) 771-12378 R# [+ c" i- r1 Y9 E4 Y) o
Email: globalmigrations@hotmail.com |
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