General Partnership vs Limited Partnership vs Limited Liability Partnership: Legal Status, Formation and Liabilities

What Is The Difference Between a General Partnership, Limited Partnership and Limited Liability Partnership?

General Partnership vs Limited Partnership vs Limited Liability Partnership

A General Partnership involves partners sharing equal responsibility and liability. Limited Partnerships feature general partners with unlimited liability and limited partners with liability capped at their investment. Limited Liability Partnerships offer all partners protection from personal liability for the actions of other partners.

Business Partnerships: A Comprehensive Legal Overview

Partnerships stand out as a fundamental arrangement for entrepreneurs who wish to collaborate to achieve common goals.

While the concept of partnership is straightforward, the legal differences between different types of partnerships—General Partnerships, Limited Partnerships, and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP)—are essential for business owners to understand.

This post aims to shed light on these variations, focusing on their definitions, formations, liability implications, tax considerations, and dissolution processes.

General Partnerships: The Basics

A General Partnership is the simplest and most straightforward type of partnership.

It is formed automatically when two or more individuals engage in a business for profit, without the need for formal paperwork.

Formation and Operation of General Partnerships

Forming a General Partnership typically does not require filing with the corporate authority. It can arise from as simple an act as starting a business endeavour with another person.

However, while the ease of formation is a clear advantage, partners often opt to formalise their arrangement through a written partnership agreement.

This document outlines the roles, responsibilities, and profit-sharing ratios among partners and can serve as a valuable reference in resolving disputes.

Liability Implications of General Partnerships

In a General Partnership, all partners share unlimited personal liability for the debts and obligations of the business.

This means that if the business cannot meet its liabilities, creditors can pursue the personal assets of any or all partners.

The joint and several liability aspects highlight the need for mutual trust and due diligence among partners.

Tax Considerations of General Partnerships

General Partnerships enjoy pass-through taxation, meaning the business itself is not taxed on its profits.

Instead, profits and losses are passed through to the individual partners, who report them on their personal tax returns.

This avoids the double taxation faced by companies but requires partners to be mindful of tax planning.

Limited Partnerships: Balancing Involvement with Protection

Limited Partnerships (LPs) introduce the concept of limited liability for certain partners, distinguishing between General Partners, who manage the business and have full liability, and Limited Partners, who contribute capital and have limited liability.

Formation and Structure of Limited Partnerships

Creating an LP requires more formal steps than a General Partnership, typically involving filing a certificate of limited partnership with the state.

The LP must have at least one General Partner and one Limited Partner.

The limited partnership agreement, detailing the LP’s operation and the distribution of profits and losses, is critical to its function.

Liability and Management in Limited Partnerships

The main attraction of an LP is the limited liability protection it offers Limited Partners.

These partners are only liable for the debts and obligations of the business up to the amount of their investment.

However, they must refrain from taking an active role in the business’s management to maintain this protection. In contrast, General Partners retain full liability.

Tax Considerations in Limited Partnerships

Like General Partnerships, LPs benefit from pass-through taxation, providing an advantage over traditional companies by avoiding double taxation.

Limited Liability Partnerships: The Hybrid Model

Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP) represent a hybrid model, combining features of General Partnerships and LPs, ideally suited for professional groups such as lawyers, accountants, and consultants.

Formation and Legal Structure of Limited Liability Partnerships

Forming an LLP typically requires registering with the authorities, along with filing an annual report to maintain the status.

The partnership agreement is crucial for delineating the structure and operational guidelines of the LLP.

Liability Protection in Limited Liability Partnerships

A key feature of LLPs is that they offer all partners protection from personal liability for the actions of their partners.

This means a partner is not personally liable for another partner’s negligence or malpractice, though they remain liable for their own actions and the business’s debts.

Taxation in Limited Liability Partnerships

LLPs also enjoy pass-through taxation, allowing profits to be taxed only once as personal income of the partners, which simplifies tax filing and can lead to tax savings.

General Partnership vs Limited Partnership vs Limited Liability Partnership

Feature	General Partnership	Limited Partnership (LP)	Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
Formation	Automatically with business activity	Requires state filing, usually a certificate of limited partnership	Requires state registration and often an annual report
Liability	Unlimited personal liability for all partners	General partners have unlimited liability; limited partners have liability limited to their investment	Limited personal liability for all partners for the actions of other partners
Management	All partners typically involved in management	General partners manage the business; limited partners are not involved in management	Partners have equal rights in management, unless otherwise agreed in the partnership agreement
Taxation	Pass-through taxation (partner reports their income on their personal tax returns)	Pass-through taxation (partner reports their income on their personal tax returns)	Pass-through taxation (partner reports their income on their personal tax returns)
Investment	Partners contribute capital, labour, or skill	Limited partners contribute capital, allowing them to be passive investors	Similar to general partnerships, but structure may attract professionals seeking liability protection
Flexibility and Formality	High flexibility, minimal formal requirements	More formal structure with specific roles and responsibilities	More formalities than general partnerships but offers greater protection and flexibility than LPs
Dissolution	Can dissolve upon a partner’s exit unless otherwise agreed	Requires following the process outlined in the partnership agreement or corporate law	Similar to LPs, dissolution as per the partnership agreement or corporate law

Which Laws Regulate Partnerships In The UK And USA?

In the UK, partnerships are primarily regulated by the Partnership Act 1890 and the Limited Partnerships Act 1907, with Limited Liability Partnerships governed by the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2000.

These laws outline the formation, operation, and dissolution of partnerships.

In the USA, partnership laws vary by state but are generally based on the Uniform Partnership Act (UPA) for General Partnerships and the Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act (RULPA) for Limited Partnerships.

Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) are regulated by state-specific statutes that modify or extend these uniform acts.

How Can A Limited Partnership Be Converted Into An LLP?

Converting a Limited Partnership (LP) into a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) involves several steps, largely dictated by business legislation where the partnership operates.

Generally, partners must agree to the conversion, often requiring a majority or unanimous vote depending on the partnership agreement or state regulations.

The process includes filing a conversion application or certificate with the relevant state authority, often accompanied by a fee.

This filing typically outlines the LP’s decision to convert, its agreement to operate as an LLP, and adherence to any additional legislation-specific requirements.

Upon approval, the LLP must update its partnership agreement and notify creditors, clients, and other relevant parties of its new status.

In an LP, a corporation can serve as a general or limited partner, contributing capital or expertise while participating in the partnership’s operations and profits.

Similarly, in an LLP, companies can become partners, providing the same flexibility for involvement and investment.

This arrangement allows businesses to leverage resources, share risks, and collaborate on ventures, enhancing their capacity to undertake large projects or expand their market presence.

However, Limited Partnerships can raise capital by adding new limited partners who contribute financially in exchange for a share of the profits.

Similarly, LLPs can admit new partners under the terms outlined in the partnership agreement, allowing for capital infusion.

These methods align with the partnership model, focusing on direct investment from partners rather than public share offerings.

Can A Limited Partnership And Limited Liability Partnership Own Property In Its Name?

Both Limited Partnerships and LLPs can own property in their names. When an LP or LLP acquires property, the title is held in the partnership’s name, rather than in the names of the individual partners.

This capability is integral to the entity’s function, allowing it to engage in activities, such as buying, selling, and holding property, that are necessary for its business operations.

Ownership in the partnership’s name simplifies management and transactions related to the property.

However, the implications for liability and tax treatment of property income or gains can vary between an LP and an LLP, reflecting their different structures, especially regarding the extent of partners’ liability.

How Does A Partner’s Death Affect A General Partnership, Limited Partnership And LLP?

In a General Partnership, a partner’s death typically dissolves the partnership unless the partnership agreement specifies otherwise, outlining procedures for continuation or buyout of the deceased partner’s interest.

In a Limited Partnership, the death of a limited partner does not dissolve the partnership; their interest passes to their heirs or beneficiaries, preserving the LP’s continuity.

The structure allows for the replacement or buyout of the deceased partner’s stake according to the partnership agreement.

Similarly, in a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), a partner’s death does not lead to dissolution.

The partnership agreement usually includes provisions for dealing with such events, often allowing the LLP to continue operations while the deceased partner’s estate is compensated for their interest.

Read article: What Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Won’t Tell You

Dissolution of General Partnership, Limited Partnership and Limited Liability Partnership

The dissolution processes for these partnership types vary, with General Partnerships often dissolving upon a partner’s departure unless otherwise agreed.

LPs and LLPs have more structured processes, typically outlined in their formation documents.

Regardless of type, the dissolution involves settling debts, distributing remaining assets, and filing necessary paperwork with the state.

Conclusion: General Partnership vs Limited Partnership vs Limited Liability Partnership

In conclusion, the choice between a General Partnership, Limited Partnership, and Limited Liability Partnership depends on the specific needs, goals, and risk tolerance of the business partners.

Each type offers a unique blend of flexibility, liability protection, and tax considerations.

Prospective partners should carefully consider these factors, possibly with legal and financial advisors’ assistance, to choose the most appropriate structure for their venture.