When you’re starting a business, one of the first decisions you’ll have to make is what type of business entity to form. Will you go it alone or bring in partners? There are pros and cons to both solo entrepreneurship and partnerships. And there are different types of partnerships to consider, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In general, there are three main types of business partnerships: general partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships.
General Partnership
A general partnership is the simplest and most common type of partnership. In a general partnership, all partners are equally liable for the debts and obligations of the business. This means that if the business can’t pay its debts, the partners’ personal assets are at risk. General partnerships are easy to form and don’t require much paperwork. Partnerships can be formed informally, without a written agreement. But it’s always a good idea to have a written agreement that sets out each partner’s rights and responsibilities.
Limited Partnership
A limited partnership is a type of business partnership in which the partners have limited liability. A limited partnership is a form of business organization in which a general partner is solely liable for the firm’s debts and obligations, while a limited partner is only responsible to the extent of their investment in the company. Limited partnerships are popular among business owners because they offer the benefits of a partnership while still providing some limited liability protection for the investors.
Despite their popularity, limited partnerships have some drawbacks. First, limited partnerships are more complicated and difficult to set up than general partnerships. In addition, the limited partnership agreement must be filed with the state. Second, limited partners have very limited rights. They can’t participate in the management of the business, and they can’t bind the partnership to any contracts. This can be a problem if the limited partner wants to sell their interest in the business or if they need to get information about the business for tax purposes.
Limited Liability Partnership
A limited liability partnership (LLP) is similar to a limited partnership, but all partners have limited liability. This means that if the LLP goes bankrupt, each partner’s liability is limited to the amount of money they have invested in the business.
The pros of an LLP are that it offers limited liability for all partners, which can protect them from any financial losses the business may incur. This can be helpful for business owners who are looking to protect their personal assets. Additionally, an LLP can be taxed as a partnership or a corporation, depending on the partners’ preferences. The cons of an LLP are that it can be more complicated to set up than a limited partnership, and it is not as well-known as other business structures. Additionally, an LLP may be subject to additional state regulations, which can add complexity to running the business.
If you need help setting up a business partnership, contact our law firm today at 219-400-2200 for a consultation with our team.