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1. there are three kinds of partnerships:
* w: s: R8 S% M, YGeneral Partnership, Limited Partnership, and Public-Private Partnership
' L/ Z1 O; b3 m/ m( p7 Q4 bSee details on http://www.alberta-canada.com/investlocate/1012.html6 D" O! ?* ?; _" A* V% z% P; C
2. See the article:
8 C2 C' c/ I8 K) qPROPRIETORSHIP, PARTNERSHIP AND INCORPORATION
. h( W$ K3 z1 u, uBy Jay Chauhan
5 S% a3 } i8 T* J4 D/ I, X) kLEGAL FORMS OF BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS
5 r! a2 C% C& k" N; ~( P9 _There are three basic ways in which a business organization can exist, namely a sole
- Y. Q; @" [+ v$ c5 W( A. N- `proprietorship, a partnership, and a corporation. A sole proprietorship is where one person: w* L0 h* f/ v
using his own name or any other name, conducts business. In a partnership, there are two or4 N9 _, H8 g5 ]: M5 V4 c6 X1 y# o
more persons carrying on a business activity under their own names or the name of a
X* v" y# I9 `$ h: cpartnership. Incorporations are for legal purposes and entirely separate, legal entity created by+ i. {6 }" |6 B% | i; x4 u
law and can be used by a single person or more persons together.
; G0 k7 {3 P5 {0 K$ d% uSOLE PROPRIETORSHIP
" g- ]7 W. \& \1 U; I WIf a one-man operation uses a name different that his own, he must register this name under the
4 Z6 D$ h- M, P2 M1 r; EPartnerships Registration Act at 555 Yonge Street, Toronto. The form is relatively simple, and it
1 C) R P5 P3 \' {7 ~+ xcan be done by the individual at a minimal cost of $10.00. In case of financial difficulties, the- h6 k& s/ e& q/ l- C, M
individual remains personally liable and his home and personal assets can be used to satisfy a3 F7 } t0 @4 X6 Y0 m
judgement. The registration lasts for five years, and must be renewed at expiry.8 G3 P0 R0 z5 ]" a: }) P
It is possible for a sole proprietor to call his business by a name such as "ABC Company". The
8 r+ I* q/ I. y1 \1 r, |: Dfact that the word "company" is used does not provide any extra legal protection as. @- O, ]/ \ i" W$ B
incorporation does, and this is commonly misunderstood by many. For tax and legal purposes,8 ]* { V9 ]" W# z: ~( D0 t. O. s; R
the sole proprietor is the same as the individual, even if he uses a different name." S/ X5 r8 E9 F; O. }
PARTNERSHIP
: K7 w* \) z! ]$ ~2 O" V1 tWhere two or more persons are engaged in a business activity, it is known as a partnership.8 q0 u& x4 t. }# _! c3 ^/ D; H
Like a sole proprietorship, they must register the business name if names other than their own
, `7 o$ @6 e! K5 U8 }$ Iare being used to conduct the business activity. The same provisions of registration apply and
1 A2 g2 h4 g6 U4 B2 `8 \4 Feach partner must sign this form and such declaration lasts five years. Here again, if the word7 b/ U' t9 @" M- o/ q
"company" is used at the end of the name, it provides no extra protection, like incorporation.% D1 e0 l: ` f. M. u Y# F, N( p* }
Each partner remains fully liable for the debts of the partnership, regardless of which partner8 [3 y8 F2 L( q+ Z: F @3 n- f
incurred the liability. In case of financial difficulties, the judgement can be enforced against
. e, R* d) o, [3 k0 {5 deach and every partner and if any one partner does not have any monies, the other partner who
3 v5 z6 Z0 Z4 H j% F5 \+ ^4 N# Nhas the property and personal belongings and a house, he would have to meet the liability.
; W3 b" K: r, N+ YEach partner is liable too pay tax on his share of the profit made. For legal purposes, the& b4 F4 d6 C+ i$ |& }; q) k% `
liability is full, despite the percentage of partnership interest.1 h- ^- N a6 ?8 S C: _6 `; \9 g
2# z& t0 |2 r( d. p! L" @
It is very desirable for the partners to have a partnership agreement, which sets out the basic' ? N7 n' u1 p) R9 E, m; r
terms of the partnership arrangement, including what business will be conducted, profit and
8 b s, t: a2 |1 \: b! e: Vloss sharing formula, whether the partnership will continue the death of a party, where the+ Q$ I/ \# F1 q+ q
account of the partnership will be maintained, and if any partner is to be employed full-time,
5 o0 V( Z1 w9 J( K) n, jwhat salary he may expect. If a partnership agreement is not provided, the provisions of the5 M) _; g& \3 K( o& f' a% V
Partnership Act will apply, and in such events, the partnership will dissolve, for example, on3 }3 u# e% G$ Y# v
the death of a partner. The partnership agreement also would provide for a formula by which
7 f4 }5 G' w5 P0 H1 bupon disagreement, a party could withdraw from the partnership. Where no agreement is
" W6 Z+ I/ w: c6 J: Cprovided, any partner could simply register dissolution of partnership and terminate the
# b7 a% M d; _partnership arrangement. Legal advice is desirable in drafting a partnership agreement.( S0 J" R, U" t7 H0 d- F
In case of failure of a partnership to register a business name, no action can be brought by the
r$ X, F* O0 p0 s& ?6 [3 Tpartnership to sue a defendant, who fails to pay them.
) R1 q: n5 g* GINCORPORATION
% M/ R$ t5 B5 g9 N7 i6 F& Z/ H4 A5 [5 rIncorporation is often called a limited company. When a corporate body is formed, it creates a
q& \/ ^( l; i5 |5 X8 H2 P7 h% Zseparate legal person, and has a different legal existence than the person or persons who formed
% ^8 D2 Y' b* vthat legal entity. A corporation may be identified by using the words "limited", "incorporated",0 ~4 \' z. n* W
or "corporation".# o% U2 n `' N+ w2 H
The word "limited" correctly describes the idea of limited liability, when a corporation is
4 u) I9 p: L5 M; j, e! Qformed. Unlike the sole proprietorship and partnership when a corporation is formed, the
) u; n7 n3 @2 g4 zindividual or the persons forming it are only liable for the amount of investment made by them,& _/ W7 G' A( `, k; A2 g: u4 f$ W
in the corporation. In case of financial problems arising, the judgment can be enforced only0 u* T' H" Q7 ~7 V
against the assets and property owned by the corporation, and the assets of the individual and
+ `1 }; U& p, yhis home cannot be touched. This is the most important reason for forming a corporation, as' c5 W) [' M! o
most people wish to protect their personal assets against the risks of the business.+ `3 z: d& f9 a, s- l* w) C1 R
A corporation offers a variety of tax planning benefits. The most common benefit derived is the) I8 x9 E+ R# q) U l
possibility in a small company, of splitting the income between the husband and the wife.
3 }+ i! V2 J! k# M, ~. hUnder the attribution rules of the Income Tax Act, the income derived by the wife is deemed to
7 A) P1 z; I. n( s0 R, a8 ?5 obe that of the husband, but where a corporation is formed, and the wife works for the+ |1 L9 y8 M0 N2 j/ x* s; b
corporation, it is legally possible for the husband to divert a certain amount of income to the2 R" k3 w5 d3 [1 ~
wife, provided that she is doing some work in the company.% G$ @9 y, c- I, l) c- ~
A corporation is also in effect, an estate-planning vehicle. By issuing common shares to
) O, m$ M4 G9 v0 q" Rchildren in trust, the growth value of the shares of the corporation can be transferred to the' Y. ^4 I1 r) f* N
children without incurring inheritance taxes under Succession Duty Act, and Income Tax Act.1 U1 O" H. b3 L6 n. a2 }" f
A corporation can be formed either under the Canada Business Corporations Act, or the7 e# j8 l+ C |% l
Provincial Legislation, and in Ontario, the Ontario Business Corporations Act. A federal
% |/ o8 b- }+ ~$ rcompany is desirable where it may, in the future, have head offices in various provinces. A
0 {$ W1 S3 K9 D" {$ w/ cfederal company does not require extra-provincial licenses to operate in different provinces. It& D& @2 e' F9 J; ~
does require, however in Ontario, a Licence In Mortmain. This license is required when the* x4 T( _; y d G
company owns or rents property in Ontario. The Ontario corporation does not require such
: x1 E! a, S2 [$ Elicense to operate within Ontario, but may require extra-provincial license to operate in other
0 D0 I1 Z( r$ N; f2 qprovinces, except Quebec.
# ]! O; d) C1 m" O' q6 @2 u3+ b; w# E! E! l* S' i: v3 N
It is now possible for a one-man person to form incorporation and he may be the sole director9 F/ ^/ \; O/ j, m
also the sole shareholder in that company. Where there are more shareholders, a difficult
0 l' M! R1 N, V: c* Edecision to make is the proportion of shares owned by each shareholder in the company. A 51%4 `; m& [% B* u4 D! u9 D/ f
control usually gives the right to such shareholders to elect the board of directors and9 B i; F8 ~6 G- j+ ?5 p) N
accordingly, exercise effective control of the operations of the business.
2 T0 k, u3 @4 W, `The directors of a company are responsible to the shareholders and must hold an annual0 m& s* b& k/ g, Y* m
general meeting each year, even if there are only one or two shareholders, who might be the- a" }1 o- S# y5 P9 Q
same persons as the directors.
. s z+ c* Y* T! M8 MWhere there are two or more shareholders in a company, a buy-sell agreement or some+ Y2 R6 m* I. r" N9 d/ O3 v- T
shareholders agreement is very desirable. Such agreement can set out how a party can
) E9 z8 x2 S/ O* t$ k3 gwithdraw as a shareholder, or how the shares will be disposed of upon death or disagreement.0 p, f: n) f+ }; F! Y! F( N
This agreement is commonly ignored by shareholders until a dispute arises, when it is usually5 Z5 b0 K, X4 r5 _9 K
too late.
1 q4 O" s& D ]8 `7 } ^+ v% S- [Competent, legal advice is desirable in forming a company, as the procedure is not simple as b9 X& E* q o) S0 `* f
the registration of partnership or proprietorship is.) o4 w. m2 U; c$ F# r) s
Chauhan & Associates( k6 l+ x% q* ?% `
Barristers and Solicitors' h( `/ _* _7 L/ a# Y
330 Hwy. No. 7 East, Suite 309# y: R6 w! {% S6 r" Y: z* C
Richmond Hill, Ontario
3 }( A4 ], |* i2 F9 v: ?. ^L4B 3P82 ?; Q3 |$ P6 O6 R c1 e: W) O! X' J
Tel. (905) 771-1235+ c' X6 g' t/ x/ H0 X" r) C5 G
Fax (905) 771-1237+ r1 U# y& @3 E$ t
Email: globalmigrations@hotmail.com, N& m2 O$ E# d' B) D$ f
4# j w+ G! U3 c- E# M5 i
PARTNERSHIP MEMO
% C y& j% B0 A7 N% mREGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
" B& \& s- d6 B% f5 X1 X) B$ O* v+ }Where two or more persons are engaged in a business activity, it is known as a& w. f1 ~1 w# C8 \; \4 [; F
partnership. They must register the business name if names other than their own names are( h+ Z4 D7 }1 X# g1 t; l# ]
being used to conduct the business activity. Partners must sign the declaration form.
5 x( Y& d2 \* jRegistration is valid for 5 years. If the partnership is not registered no action can be brought by
4 X0 H5 ^! }# {( x/ @( Mthe partnership against a debtor for recovery of money until the partnership is registered.
* Q& ~0 F f7 ^! O% I$ N) X! g2 DIf you want me to assist you in the preparation or registration or partnership please let
8 T& p$ H. y9 x" J" l- S, O' Vme know.# k3 q- f8 i, S
LIABILITY
6 C8 J3 \' U) ]2 DEach partner remains fully liable for the debts of the partnership, regardless of which5 r9 Q' t+ W. l3 Y9 H; l
partner incurred the liability. In the event of financial difficulties, a judgment can be enforced
, [$ _6 x" N$ tagainst each and every partner. If any one partner does not have nay money, the other partner
/ m6 n4 [3 f9 \who has the property and personal belongings and a house would have to meet the liability.2 ?- q8 n; f$ T2 A4 \* m( ^8 k
Using the name company for a partnership does not eliminate personal liability.
; K f( V& D% x ^TAX; Q. h7 k4 o* n; u; t
Each partner is liable to pay tax on his share of the profit made. Expenses are deducted0 Q; i# `5 d" x5 D5 y
from the profit and the share of net income of each partner is declared on his tax return.
5 {' Q. J/ U5 y0 i% aPartnership can have a different fiscal year than the calendar year.
$ @4 z" ~1 m8 e7 y/ jAGREEMENT$ e3 T2 P3 Z0 ?6 s2 b
It is very desirable for the partners to have a partnership agreement. It should set out
/ @8 }: @- O0 ]/ B, F. Y3 m! Ythe basic terms of the partnership arrangement, including what business will be conducted,! X* a$ |2 F B5 d& g' m
profit and loss sharing formula, whether the partnership will continue on the death of a party,+ A/ k, g; L" q* Q
where the account of the partnership will be maintained, and if any partner is to be employed5 m+ g& \9 w- N. K
full-time, what salary he may expect. If a partnership agreement is not provided, the provisions
" ~/ J7 v4 @9 x2 [0 U; kof the Partnership act will apply. Without an agreement the partnership would dissolve on the
9 V0 G8 r5 f) G+ `: i. Sdeath of a partner. The partnership agreement should also provide for a formula by which in& l0 O" w: Z1 `5 m. I3 P$ B
the event of disagreement a party can withdraw from the partnership. Where no agreement is
. q7 V y$ C- |: b; Fprovided, any partner could simply register dissolution of partnership and terminate the: d$ x3 i0 M. E" ?. w
partnership arrangement. Legal advice is desirable in drafting a partnership agreement.7 e+ _0 l4 b, W. |/ l
INCORPORATION
9 b/ z3 p. k J% @( wIncorporation is often referred to as a limited company. When a limited company is
& d; {6 ~; T' S& E" Z0 lformed, it creates a separate legal person, and has a different legal existence. A corporation* |& V8 W$ s& h7 `. e4 b
may be identified by the use of the words "limited", "incorporated", or "corporation".
, }( q; _; u1 k4 e0 @; d5 c5: r: N! y4 A' K( X4 j" t* N# o3 N
The word "limited" correctly describes the concept of limited liability of a corporation.
! U$ E) x5 g; T8 c) P: U* pUnlike the sole proprietorship and partnership when a corporation is formed, the individual or
+ ~3 h2 K8 y$ `$ _the persons forming it are only liable for the amount of investment made by them in the0 l* C( ~- w0 F/ ~
Corporation. In the event of financial problems arising, the judgment can be enforced only+ a$ q/ o9 H* [9 X0 c( K. @0 n1 I
against the assets and property owned by the corporation, and the assets of the individual and$ H$ t/ k1 c- U% l3 |
his home cannot be touched. To ensure this, personal guarantees should be avoided, if possible.0 {, F6 `0 p% n
The most important reason for forming a corporation is to protect personal assets against the: V/ M- N- w3 }+ g+ {
risks of the business.1 L: j8 A" L. W, J& [* J2 s5 j
It is now possible for a one-man person to form a corporation and he can be the sole
Q7 X+ ]" o& S, L+ Q# Ddirector and also the sole shareholder in that company.! Y/ S$ K" L; ~. I9 b
A corporation is more expensive but desirable for the protection of personal liability./ K6 F2 r# _3 u' r
Jay Chauhan) A: ^8 e0 E" K, D
Barrister and Solicitor
7 m% Y# k+ `1 B. _7 U4 u, T330 Highway 7 East, Suite 309
5 x( M+ M, X9 ~! p' @+ ZRichmond Hill, Ontario8 K5 A# L% M- o8 \* v5 }% ]. l
L4B 3P8' Q# m' Z- l% ?* i
Tel.: (905) 771-1235
7 ?; K7 b$ u* a" _. Q3 EFax: (905) 771-1237
8 j0 X5 S2 @2 A) }Email: globalmigrations@hotmail.com |
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