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1. there are three kinds of partnerships:& X4 d% F, `6 ~ j& x" a! v9 ~: u
General Partnership, Limited Partnership, and Public-Private Partnership2 ^7 H8 U: `* S5 Q7 h
See details on http://www.alberta-canada.com/investlocate/1012.html
b3 ?/ Z+ I. Q7 d1 B" }3 e2. See the article:( X0 ]9 y1 M8 r: q
PROPRIETORSHIP, PARTNERSHIP AND INCORPORATION0 c' i8 p7 P3 d
By Jay Chauhan
: V. f8 Q( L6 u$ @6 tLEGAL FORMS OF BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS$ u& B4 e L z7 z, @7 m0 }" [
There are three basic ways in which a business organization can exist, namely a sole2 ~: V8 Z, o! W. G8 n% m& D
proprietorship, a partnership, and a corporation. A sole proprietorship is where one person+ D3 r* b j: `8 Q+ W3 G
using his own name or any other name, conducts business. In a partnership, there are two or7 c( d4 m5 N8 [8 r" f+ T
more persons carrying on a business activity under their own names or the name of a
( J' |* S7 c: q% ?9 j: Qpartnership. Incorporations are for legal purposes and entirely separate, legal entity created by+ A z7 r8 W" r# M8 p8 v
law and can be used by a single person or more persons together.
5 ~. U1 r4 X5 P" J; ZSOLE PROPRIETORSHIP3 f! a) h q3 q$ N
If a one-man operation uses a name different that his own, he must register this name under the
# e0 H" I3 T4 j- Y6 F9 [1 }Partnerships Registration Act at 555 Yonge Street, Toronto. The form is relatively simple, and it
6 j% b# o: U* h4 Z' `6 k: m* _can be done by the individual at a minimal cost of $10.00. In case of financial difficulties, the
; a! X5 m# B3 ?. b0 w) G) @4 g+ windividual remains personally liable and his home and personal assets can be used to satisfy a7 L. D7 u+ ^ n
judgement. The registration lasts for five years, and must be renewed at expiry.
2 U4 [9 k0 |8 Z4 G. G ~# ^. Y% X( J( A6 JIt is possible for a sole proprietor to call his business by a name such as "ABC Company". The% v& i) Z3 M: ~# O N! c o1 e
fact that the word "company" is used does not provide any extra legal protection as8 z2 n& ~! x: C% _, T" z
incorporation does, and this is commonly misunderstood by many. For tax and legal purposes,. [6 A# c* b: u) D
the sole proprietor is the same as the individual, even if he uses a different name./ g9 M- `- H' B
PARTNERSHIP+ F k) U" ]3 r# _! f
Where two or more persons are engaged in a business activity, it is known as a partnership.+ H# K# a0 C+ c; o+ i
Like a sole proprietorship, they must register the business name if names other than their own
" M2 @. x* H5 u u' r W# kare being used to conduct the business activity. The same provisions of registration apply and
. [% e( _: N0 Keach partner must sign this form and such declaration lasts five years. Here again, if the word
' O2 U2 D& O4 L6 U0 ]' N* M. I"company" is used at the end of the name, it provides no extra protection, like incorporation.
" t: c& C- y" c( d) A3 XEach partner remains fully liable for the debts of the partnership, regardless of which partner
9 Z+ W# s% S5 ^( N3 v5 t1 T. _incurred the liability. In case of financial difficulties, the judgement can be enforced against
R" w( S# }1 J; F! Feach and every partner and if any one partner does not have any monies, the other partner who3 p9 ^! d; a/ ] b3 O. ?- r% m9 P
has the property and personal belongings and a house, he would have to meet the liability.! e, a) o K$ j
Each partner is liable too pay tax on his share of the profit made. For legal purposes, the
! n. G3 H v+ b2 [* r# Rliability is full, despite the percentage of partnership interest.: \3 `- ~3 }# e$ k. @$ d; o" g9 Q
2& I, Y& m0 ~& s8 G* m% v+ c
It is very desirable for the partners to have a partnership agreement, which sets out the basic
; W& I6 ]( X7 d4 `& ~3 iterms of the partnership arrangement, including what business will be conducted, profit and9 k' Q& F& y8 s8 G. `0 t1 U% y
loss sharing formula, whether the partnership will continue the death of a party, where the
2 }4 i6 H& B& v+ f Eaccount of the partnership will be maintained, and if any partner is to be employed full-time,* j% f9 V4 U5 F% ?8 L0 U
what salary he may expect. If a partnership agreement is not provided, the provisions of the
4 t/ ]8 C5 A" u" q3 q. ]6 vPartnership Act will apply, and in such events, the partnership will dissolve, for example, on
# b2 E; x5 c- K, x' H$ E$ x* gthe death of a partner. The partnership agreement also would provide for a formula by which6 e z& T9 H" m3 w7 F
upon disagreement, a party could withdraw from the partnership. Where no agreement is
* T7 e5 u1 O! a8 `provided, any partner could simply register dissolution of partnership and terminate the
1 }/ T, i& L, I' E f. t) \! t" ypartnership arrangement. Legal advice is desirable in drafting a partnership agreement.
. Y, y" F3 d- u9 G/ |In case of failure of a partnership to register a business name, no action can be brought by the
' K1 k: X3 X' O6 _* ~partnership to sue a defendant, who fails to pay them.! ?; l' b/ t, z0 ?5 A7 R/ \1 P
INCORPORATION) S) \9 O5 o& ]) u. Z+ O9 p) ^$ L
Incorporation is often called a limited company. When a corporate body is formed, it creates a, k/ b z O" }( X
separate legal person, and has a different legal existence than the person or persons who formed( S- m+ U+ u/ Y6 `; k; v
that legal entity. A corporation may be identified by using the words "limited", "incorporated",
% d, b! z+ Y5 [$ R, Sor "corporation".
/ ?* F0 e: I" \+ }- rThe word "limited" correctly describes the idea of limited liability, when a corporation is; c9 f m! J5 E% M% h
formed. Unlike the sole proprietorship and partnership when a corporation is formed, the% A _7 h4 m: r+ }& }3 |7 m* t$ y
individual or the persons forming it are only liable for the amount of investment made by them,
' O7 k+ l7 `& _; Q+ Gin the corporation. In case of financial problems arising, the judgment can be enforced only3 Z1 e* a0 c' W
against the assets and property owned by the corporation, and the assets of the individual and: O$ k" D3 C& S% ^" [! R' k
his home cannot be touched. This is the most important reason for forming a corporation, as
, N9 T, M# W& F+ X* n: O' `) Fmost people wish to protect their personal assets against the risks of the business.
: J2 [" R, h" r# t# cA corporation offers a variety of tax planning benefits. The most common benefit derived is the$ ^' u h2 E. o3 }# H' ?
possibility in a small company, of splitting the income between the husband and the wife.7 D& \! s' b! r3 W: [
Under the attribution rules of the Income Tax Act, the income derived by the wife is deemed to& g. J8 F N+ V% H, z+ P7 [5 x
be that of the husband, but where a corporation is formed, and the wife works for the
( ~! e# c6 G4 z; P( M+ K* k* s! zcorporation, it is legally possible for the husband to divert a certain amount of income to the
+ c; l3 A! ]: C8 k. Ewife, provided that she is doing some work in the company.
/ R+ S- d4 t1 C6 z8 S& P1 J* nA corporation is also in effect, an estate-planning vehicle. By issuing common shares to
0 `! q$ z; v+ [; F- ]! L. bchildren in trust, the growth value of the shares of the corporation can be transferred to the
9 h7 `4 ?* Q$ y( q5 mchildren without incurring inheritance taxes under Succession Duty Act, and Income Tax Act.
! Y9 Q& } P( s" T3 ^A corporation can be formed either under the Canada Business Corporations Act, or the
) E) s- ~8 N4 t. Z) ^' j HProvincial Legislation, and in Ontario, the Ontario Business Corporations Act. A federal
* @& y& c, z5 Q M+ I6 z- kcompany is desirable where it may, in the future, have head offices in various provinces. A6 ?, [$ i/ C8 I) x: t& ^' {
federal company does not require extra-provincial licenses to operate in different provinces. It1 Z& [ a8 J! i8 R9 p) ~
does require, however in Ontario, a Licence In Mortmain. This license is required when the
# {- K* `, t( M) }4 Ccompany owns or rents property in Ontario. The Ontario corporation does not require such& s0 W- t8 L, d& ^( C
license to operate within Ontario, but may require extra-provincial license to operate in other
7 ^1 {' G0 k$ x4 Sprovinces, except Quebec.
% ?! O# F. y% J) z8 \: R% v3
% n" ?$ N2 Y4 O" B V7 z5 C" sIt is now possible for a one-man person to form incorporation and he may be the sole director( N9 r! m. ~5 n* q
also the sole shareholder in that company. Where there are more shareholders, a difficult I$ e# [4 ?8 B# P8 n4 f* f( k
decision to make is the proportion of shares owned by each shareholder in the company. A 51%
& l6 F5 i% q# F9 R/ Q, O5 Kcontrol usually gives the right to such shareholders to elect the board of directors and
9 }7 a& n x+ f4 j$ f( E/ [9 }* s' _accordingly, exercise effective control of the operations of the business.
3 E R: _. K; z! k6 }1 U, D7 sThe directors of a company are responsible to the shareholders and must hold an annual2 |" v- ^( E. y- |; q
general meeting each year, even if there are only one or two shareholders, who might be the% g$ A2 V P& F @( e
same persons as the directors.
) u1 U7 ~+ K; ^0 A1 Q$ H5 vWhere there are two or more shareholders in a company, a buy-sell agreement or some \5 | ^: {7 v- B+ @+ [6 K* l% v; f/ J
shareholders agreement is very desirable. Such agreement can set out how a party can
) O4 n* {' d* F5 T' B( V* k) xwithdraw as a shareholder, or how the shares will be disposed of upon death or disagreement.9 |0 o2 i' f) S* H4 y9 B
This agreement is commonly ignored by shareholders until a dispute arises, when it is usually& M) O- [ x7 ], U8 z; e7 [
too late.
* N1 V2 P% m7 g, y# k5 ACompetent, legal advice is desirable in forming a company, as the procedure is not simple as
* _# a9 B4 m- y$ r& }5 U" Lthe registration of partnership or proprietorship is.% S: P9 A7 O0 i
Chauhan & Associates1 c/ Z0 R( z: \5 H/ y. ]8 d8 ?& B
Barristers and Solicitors
" @. J( O! R# g; B330 Hwy. No. 7 East, Suite 309: l, ?2 T% ?6 U) |4 E6 ?
Richmond Hill, Ontario, s( b' ]; B$ t- ^# S& y( ~
L4B 3P8
, Q* Y$ X4 B7 _" c: [Tel. (905) 771-1235' E/ W0 a$ }5 G2 Y: x
Fax (905) 771-1237# i7 |- F; z% U, G- E% X% f3 t
Email: globalmigrations@hotmail.com: n8 I5 d, S7 K& h, f: J& ?$ M
48 ?) N( J8 J1 o. T: E
PARTNERSHIP MEMO
& @* j: H4 u$ S0 d) ~REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS6 b2 L) e4 z/ b0 E$ `" m
Where two or more persons are engaged in a business activity, it is known as a* a- |. _3 p- p5 r/ t" K1 ]1 p
partnership. They must register the business name if names other than their own names are0 ]3 d+ R/ ~2 H6 ~% X
being used to conduct the business activity. Partners must sign the declaration form.7 m; }6 @. w4 {0 N5 M% v
Registration is valid for 5 years. If the partnership is not registered no action can be brought by0 g% P9 b# ^* v' y- r5 W3 h9 C8 ?
the partnership against a debtor for recovery of money until the partnership is registered.1 E: F' ?. ?* K! a$ `5 w# ?
If you want me to assist you in the preparation or registration or partnership please let
9 ]; Z# `; U5 |! M' G+ o! d0 j* \me know.
# w m I1 U K! VLIABILITY, C. `% K3 I) P# }" u9 s$ J6 x
Each partner remains fully liable for the debts of the partnership, regardless of which8 d! P- W+ {" O$ }( R+ @- j( ]2 u
partner incurred the liability. In the event of financial difficulties, a judgment can be enforced
/ Y+ Z. F) n$ t9 ^against each and every partner. If any one partner does not have nay money, the other partner
! G8 @+ a+ Y4 f" k/ Q4 Fwho has the property and personal belongings and a house would have to meet the liability.: U* {. k6 @3 ~0 j/ ?8 z6 D
Using the name company for a partnership does not eliminate personal liability.' i5 u5 S; ^' z: S: Y
TAX
* d" l6 n7 j, y$ `8 c8 f! Y# u( ?Each partner is liable to pay tax on his share of the profit made. Expenses are deducted
4 P- u1 \ G1 u. `. C l/ rfrom the profit and the share of net income of each partner is declared on his tax return.2 [8 u0 r" Q# h% x( z( o
Partnership can have a different fiscal year than the calendar year.
' S. x0 R0 s1 \0 _+ R% bAGREEMENT# a1 @( A( d1 ~
It is very desirable for the partners to have a partnership agreement. It should set out1 \# n# q# ^6 G! k# y* U' `) u
the basic terms of the partnership arrangement, including what business will be conducted,
* s# o8 R, t; [, {3 } U) N* Fprofit and loss sharing formula, whether the partnership will continue on the death of a party,/ a1 G8 U4 n! y: U4 B2 N8 u
where the account of the partnership will be maintained, and if any partner is to be employed
' g2 x3 B5 }- S2 G- Nfull-time, what salary he may expect. If a partnership agreement is not provided, the provisions1 k: `% i7 W2 Q! k: L
of the Partnership act will apply. Without an agreement the partnership would dissolve on the1 u+ f8 O D% u) E
death of a partner. The partnership agreement should also provide for a formula by which in# S6 C; L8 @$ b; u2 B
the event of disagreement a party can withdraw from the partnership. Where no agreement is
- p9 \$ f0 q1 X4 I' i5 D: o$ I) |provided, any partner could simply register dissolution of partnership and terminate the
' l. ~+ c& t' M$ \5 R: b3 \partnership arrangement. Legal advice is desirable in drafting a partnership agreement.
' z- ~7 O7 F/ z* ]1 VINCORPORATION
+ j( f Z+ L2 lIncorporation is often referred to as a limited company. When a limited company is! v/ x/ I9 x. p$ `$ v
formed, it creates a separate legal person, and has a different legal existence. A corporation0 [0 w( u+ G& |
may be identified by the use of the words "limited", "incorporated", or "corporation".
% ~: }- w0 q" I: `: q5
. ~: v8 }, D% wThe word "limited" correctly describes the concept of limited liability of a corporation.) k" d+ E4 k$ K, R/ u' ?/ c
Unlike the sole proprietorship and partnership when a corporation is formed, the individual or. O) S6 ]; r8 Q' f1 A- s# I( G* @: c- }
the persons forming it are only liable for the amount of investment made by them in the
' P9 Y* H ~8 M) {7 P( p& yCorporation. In the event of financial problems arising, the judgment can be enforced only Q; b) D( b# e& [1 ]
against the assets and property owned by the corporation, and the assets of the individual and( l) B" w, C9 ~; ?% ]
his home cannot be touched. To ensure this, personal guarantees should be avoided, if possible.
2 r( j+ O9 ]( v @* }3 iThe most important reason for forming a corporation is to protect personal assets against the
0 ~$ K- n/ t, o9 ~ G8 C4 h* w8 Hrisks of the business.8 y4 O% p& y y3 [& }/ ^
It is now possible for a one-man person to form a corporation and he can be the sole
" D: ]' }* H1 a; jdirector and also the sole shareholder in that company.2 [- X0 _* l4 y, p$ E; T2 d1 _) |2 w4 b
A corporation is more expensive but desirable for the protection of personal liability.
3 S" K* U2 j: o! D. MJay Chauhan4 b/ \/ L8 t* A w# x# h8 t
Barrister and Solicitor
. p. P! g5 v7 p: Q8 r ]330 Highway 7 East, Suite 3092 E8 J- n7 L- {4 p& |
Richmond Hill, Ontario8 k1 ~: o6 J7 Z8 H! m- E
L4B 3P8
x) @* O( h' @" F! Y ?7 ^( cTel.: (905) 771-1235; M3 F! F8 A9 p1 q( D
Fax: (905) 771-1237" t8 q \7 q9 _3 F; K
Email: globalmigrations@hotmail.com |
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