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1. there are three kinds of partnerships:2 R9 i& L9 E8 {& l( L2 C
General Partnership, Limited Partnership, and Public-Private Partnership* h) @, }1 |0 i; S* F! V/ f
See details on http://www.alberta-canada.com/investlocate/1012.html
& E3 Z s7 |* ?% }8 }2. See the article:, F8 T/ o) d" v" F
PROPRIETORSHIP, PARTNERSHIP AND INCORPORATION
1 O& ^( Q, v7 x) U( O0 ?/ g8 kBy Jay Chauhan; V9 H/ C+ h! I* l0 C
LEGAL FORMS OF BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS: ]9 @5 h% B7 Z
There are three basic ways in which a business organization can exist, namely a sole7 O+ r5 x6 ]. ~
proprietorship, a partnership, and a corporation. A sole proprietorship is where one person: S# p& g4 ~+ ^: B7 e. v! D5 b
using his own name or any other name, conducts business. In a partnership, there are two or1 t$ Q$ ]; S, o9 W7 ?% q
more persons carrying on a business activity under their own names or the name of a
/ \% n& N; K7 d1 \+ y7 W9 [partnership. Incorporations are for legal purposes and entirely separate, legal entity created by0 F `# i' {; C+ S: b
law and can be used by a single person or more persons together.6 R: P: Z1 @5 s6 I& n) ?9 ~& h
SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP$ H, R# `: \1 E
If a one-man operation uses a name different that his own, he must register this name under the
$ Q; W6 q+ l. m6 o a2 ?) e# jPartnerships Registration Act at 555 Yonge Street, Toronto. The form is relatively simple, and it& P/ i5 S7 g1 w$ P4 `
can be done by the individual at a minimal cost of $10.00. In case of financial difficulties, the- L* s# K& y2 P* I1 h; y" O" h
individual remains personally liable and his home and personal assets can be used to satisfy a. l# P7 K) o+ A2 X+ m" Z7 @8 Y
judgement. The registration lasts for five years, and must be renewed at expiry.
% H" Q5 M# P& T/ c4 t) r) c, UIt is possible for a sole proprietor to call his business by a name such as "ABC Company". The
' G6 ?* F5 m+ l+ M8 ~fact that the word "company" is used does not provide any extra legal protection as( `$ E* P) Y7 Q# m1 s9 E: m/ e
incorporation does, and this is commonly misunderstood by many. For tax and legal purposes,
( y/ }% \- \* \5 @( J) Pthe sole proprietor is the same as the individual, even if he uses a different name.: F: q6 U) F- N$ T I; H6 `
PARTNERSHIP- t3 Q4 w7 b1 L
Where two or more persons are engaged in a business activity, it is known as a partnership. f& s0 b, Q% |( ^# w4 i
Like a sole proprietorship, they must register the business name if names other than their own
3 A$ p6 `! k' X' s5 Iare being used to conduct the business activity. The same provisions of registration apply and
/ o! P! _* v# ]/ I6 s. geach partner must sign this form and such declaration lasts five years. Here again, if the word3 k3 X! @$ x1 y& E
"company" is used at the end of the name, it provides no extra protection, like incorporation.7 D6 I( w" w4 Y7 K9 g: {. j6 ~
Each partner remains fully liable for the debts of the partnership, regardless of which partner
% c0 w0 Z/ N# h+ D( hincurred the liability. In case of financial difficulties, the judgement can be enforced against
% H; Z( D% i' d$ p5 J# Ceach and every partner and if any one partner does not have any monies, the other partner who
) Y/ H4 _ {, N2 D% x5 Hhas the property and personal belongings and a house, he would have to meet the liability.# Y+ C6 j' D& l ^ \1 J" L
Each partner is liable too pay tax on his share of the profit made. For legal purposes, the9 z6 J% N: d% _
liability is full, despite the percentage of partnership interest.
6 S" p; d% c: s5 D& h28 K, ~; z& x7 M( H
It is very desirable for the partners to have a partnership agreement, which sets out the basic( \6 C6 ~- E1 D% `7 H T& Q! k2 j
terms of the partnership arrangement, including what business will be conducted, profit and
* v: A; K6 y6 A4 y6 \loss sharing formula, whether the partnership will continue the death of a party, where the0 c$ q( K L. w" P
account of the partnership will be maintained, and if any partner is to be employed full-time,
- x. Y6 E( ]" K4 h, i- z6 W: owhat salary he may expect. If a partnership agreement is not provided, the provisions of the
( V9 k- x( h* V, z gPartnership Act will apply, and in such events, the partnership will dissolve, for example, on
" r- z( u+ e7 H* ?the death of a partner. The partnership agreement also would provide for a formula by which# X2 K& v1 b0 t
upon disagreement, a party could withdraw from the partnership. Where no agreement is) L9 t9 O$ F! m. [6 ?; O' b- D/ p, ~" y
provided, any partner could simply register dissolution of partnership and terminate the
9 ~# C5 T7 ~! \$ e# j7 opartnership arrangement. Legal advice is desirable in drafting a partnership agreement.
# g9 \. H( r+ l* t3 ]. ZIn case of failure of a partnership to register a business name, no action can be brought by the! B3 e/ f6 E9 v% `) u* m
partnership to sue a defendant, who fails to pay them.
1 b0 v# U( h6 o, Z6 Q4 p+ p% RINCORPORATION2 d6 C6 B. }/ ^* F; U& U. P3 e
Incorporation is often called a limited company. When a corporate body is formed, it creates a
) L0 m! D O, g+ p& x! H$ `separate legal person, and has a different legal existence than the person or persons who formed. i3 K3 \6 X+ I) M1 n' r
that legal entity. A corporation may be identified by using the words "limited", "incorporated",
2 e# u# S0 ^* vor "corporation".
/ W$ V% f9 _! a) D) H+ KThe word "limited" correctly describes the idea of limited liability, when a corporation is
" j& ~$ y$ N/ T: Zformed. Unlike the sole proprietorship and partnership when a corporation is formed, the% R6 Y$ D& z5 G: }; J/ t* A! y I
individual or the persons forming it are only liable for the amount of investment made by them,2 N" ?& z8 G3 x3 T
in the corporation. In case of financial problems arising, the judgment can be enforced only+ x- t& H4 Q0 t5 G: P7 Q, `+ C; [4 k
against the assets and property owned by the corporation, and the assets of the individual and+ F3 t' m1 E) v7 W# G1 {+ @
his home cannot be touched. This is the most important reason for forming a corporation, as
. r2 Q8 r, Q9 u) |8 xmost people wish to protect their personal assets against the risks of the business.
: J7 B# ^6 E( S3 U k2 V: VA corporation offers a variety of tax planning benefits. The most common benefit derived is the
! G0 b, U8 A$ G; ]8 n( M7 Kpossibility in a small company, of splitting the income between the husband and the wife.
' W4 {; q5 H9 K- u' A% O! JUnder the attribution rules of the Income Tax Act, the income derived by the wife is deemed to! Z4 |6 k. Q6 d# k* P: C2 E: O) Z
be that of the husband, but where a corporation is formed, and the wife works for the3 u2 u2 o7 \- R( }1 C0 j8 w: ]
corporation, it is legally possible for the husband to divert a certain amount of income to the
$ ~- T: e# a; r! m% u' }wife, provided that she is doing some work in the company.0 L! x0 L. e5 h7 r. I
A corporation is also in effect, an estate-planning vehicle. By issuing common shares to! P$ j @2 C7 V
children in trust, the growth value of the shares of the corporation can be transferred to the3 O3 |2 z" v9 {) ` E
children without incurring inheritance taxes under Succession Duty Act, and Income Tax Act.( ~! K4 B1 k/ Y9 b6 O% t
A corporation can be formed either under the Canada Business Corporations Act, or the
4 d4 a/ h- D9 T' i H+ s- nProvincial Legislation, and in Ontario, the Ontario Business Corporations Act. A federal
% ~7 D9 E- o0 Z$ U2 C8 Lcompany is desirable where it may, in the future, have head offices in various provinces. A* M* U( \; Y r( @ h$ r" F5 ^
federal company does not require extra-provincial licenses to operate in different provinces. It" @% ]" b" B* P7 c# Z
does require, however in Ontario, a Licence In Mortmain. This license is required when the
$ F* S5 X+ P+ {$ fcompany owns or rents property in Ontario. The Ontario corporation does not require such l k: W" ~3 g- ~
license to operate within Ontario, but may require extra-provincial license to operate in other! \! d K( l6 m% s l b
provinces, except Quebec.
D6 ]# G/ K" \) C37 S& j) ?! u4 w
It is now possible for a one-man person to form incorporation and he may be the sole director; t# e" j+ T* z9 C" W1 ~
also the sole shareholder in that company. Where there are more shareholders, a difficult9 ~7 c# n& Z4 }
decision to make is the proportion of shares owned by each shareholder in the company. A 51%
6 ^* U0 P+ M1 H! ycontrol usually gives the right to such shareholders to elect the board of directors and7 V$ x: W! [. ~
accordingly, exercise effective control of the operations of the business.
2 b. s8 I0 B- z' oThe directors of a company are responsible to the shareholders and must hold an annual% A2 [8 d2 r, V' r/ |# N
general meeting each year, even if there are only one or two shareholders, who might be the
, e4 ?) h" {7 @. P$ t; esame persons as the directors.
8 v5 K, {! Z+ W0 eWhere there are two or more shareholders in a company, a buy-sell agreement or some8 P$ T* t4 c1 i5 U- c+ ]
shareholders agreement is very desirable. Such agreement can set out how a party can
; k! o5 }+ m- }" {withdraw as a shareholder, or how the shares will be disposed of upon death or disagreement.
+ C4 Q$ a4 e* o: I& SThis agreement is commonly ignored by shareholders until a dispute arises, when it is usually9 z5 n9 o$ E$ _) m0 Y( m
too late.
; M9 |0 l/ Q/ |& s) o6 @7 l3 i/ RCompetent, legal advice is desirable in forming a company, as the procedure is not simple as
( X' `" B, Z3 ^3 l5 Q( ] c9 {the registration of partnership or proprietorship is.6 A _" n. R% N9 U/ K- U: U6 z
Chauhan & Associates9 J0 `# |3 {. \2 \7 |+ r
Barristers and Solicitors2 P' Q7 z* V6 O/ B; _
330 Hwy. No. 7 East, Suite 309
4 z" b7 g( W8 R) }Richmond Hill, Ontario
' e1 h$ @; M5 k' P+ z% GL4B 3P8
$ n) t6 `+ W1 Q# }. J* iTel. (905) 771-1235* j6 d4 q6 R U( j5 b
Fax (905) 771-12377 q3 c+ H6 H F) m
Email: globalmigrations@hotmail.com* w* ?, u) |$ l2 M
4
+ o/ }9 g! i' n; HPARTNERSHIP MEMO; u- q( u5 X" m
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS% r4 G" {# t9 n2 N
Where two or more persons are engaged in a business activity, it is known as a& n$ |$ d* A- b6 o6 K
partnership. They must register the business name if names other than their own names are0 R8 G- Q* P* Y, K0 N
being used to conduct the business activity. Partners must sign the declaration form.
4 w; w; ^! E; PRegistration is valid for 5 years. If the partnership is not registered no action can be brought by
5 {' H4 I0 P2 C: U! n9 S* jthe partnership against a debtor for recovery of money until the partnership is registered.
# ?. B. ?$ j. o j( [% C$ JIf you want me to assist you in the preparation or registration or partnership please let
6 }; Z3 o+ [9 ?* A7 O# W& eme know.
^; w1 V S/ X+ m* ^, |3 bLIABILITY R5 k; v3 N0 A6 A% ` x; S
Each partner remains fully liable for the debts of the partnership, regardless of which
4 f/ m" G# m$ i. Xpartner incurred the liability. In the event of financial difficulties, a judgment can be enforced! R9 ] @* s) l+ u& C* m8 X
against each and every partner. If any one partner does not have nay money, the other partner9 L' f6 t4 O& ?
who has the property and personal belongings and a house would have to meet the liability.
7 l# X \; ~6 w* K7 r8 ~, {$ O7 i3 xUsing the name company for a partnership does not eliminate personal liability.; U3 j3 k5 J X7 c# ?0 p( q
TAX4 k& A( o" |' ?) {% S" t" o4 W
Each partner is liable to pay tax on his share of the profit made. Expenses are deducted$ B) Y) F6 V0 Y" R5 s7 l1 @
from the profit and the share of net income of each partner is declared on his tax return.( t' n4 a |- g7 }! y% k C
Partnership can have a different fiscal year than the calendar year., L( Q, S* S3 w& e- v1 |
AGREEMENT7 \$ ?4 U% I- c9 I/ M8 t
It is very desirable for the partners to have a partnership agreement. It should set out
# Z" A& N2 ~- Y. @the basic terms of the partnership arrangement, including what business will be conducted,
. {2 N# l, V C3 M* J1 {( Bprofit and loss sharing formula, whether the partnership will continue on the death of a party,
/ v5 h# E! X5 V% d% C- bwhere the account of the partnership will be maintained, and if any partner is to be employed6 P! c8 \" J1 i4 h4 p
full-time, what salary he may expect. If a partnership agreement is not provided, the provisions/ U% i( m# T O, ?6 o
of the Partnership act will apply. Without an agreement the partnership would dissolve on the
' m7 Z2 A7 G( k5 G8 rdeath of a partner. The partnership agreement should also provide for a formula by which in
' w' ~. c$ _$ M5 k& ^the event of disagreement a party can withdraw from the partnership. Where no agreement is
% J/ l" q; l1 uprovided, any partner could simply register dissolution of partnership and terminate the; V: a& G7 }1 t; @
partnership arrangement. Legal advice is desirable in drafting a partnership agreement., k* a" S6 W p3 e7 P/ J
INCORPORATION
$ C- ]: c4 P7 k6 b0 IIncorporation is often referred to as a limited company. When a limited company is3 Y3 P3 K+ [! E" ~" B m
formed, it creates a separate legal person, and has a different legal existence. A corporation5 q, V' T% b. n& b0 z
may be identified by the use of the words "limited", "incorporated", or "corporation".! W" N h. K6 i! u6 {& `! H( T- k3 v
5* i) j$ P9 a4 [4 \" K
The word "limited" correctly describes the concept of limited liability of a corporation.
2 C9 F8 ~: _ d& E: Z7 U2 NUnlike the sole proprietorship and partnership when a corporation is formed, the individual or% ?0 n: G N" V/ c
the persons forming it are only liable for the amount of investment made by them in the* L q: {0 `- _
Corporation. In the event of financial problems arising, the judgment can be enforced only
" o1 D/ b0 D& B I0 i0 n8 t xagainst the assets and property owned by the corporation, and the assets of the individual and
8 i ~2 e2 _ o; Zhis home cannot be touched. To ensure this, personal guarantees should be avoided, if possible.2 y' ~! s0 \5 c8 m
The most important reason for forming a corporation is to protect personal assets against the
% D" m2 y2 _) S3 h6 z; `risks of the business.
/ y% D" t1 q4 R* mIt is now possible for a one-man person to form a corporation and he can be the sole/ m) p/ x9 y* M+ p
director and also the sole shareholder in that company.! i: P5 c! D3 d: L' y4 c$ h
A corporation is more expensive but desirable for the protection of personal liability.
% J& r8 i5 A: QJay Chauhan
: m5 ?& Q" `" m' yBarrister and Solicitor4 V; M$ M! V4 I9 R8 Q) P- \
330 Highway 7 East, Suite 309
6 @0 D! j2 M6 f, _) `, A. b1 uRichmond Hill, Ontario
2 W" m, [4 i9 X" n3 u% E# oL4B 3P8
; O( ^* d* d- }7 cTel.: (905) 771-1235
: V- u+ A, d% U5 [Fax: (905) 771-1237" V( j# U, S7 Y4 b
Email: globalmigrations@hotmail.com |
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