1. Business Mediums Flashcards
What is an incorporated business?
A separate legal entity from owners and managers.
What is an unincorporated business?
Run by individuals and not a separate legal entity.
What is the most common form of an incorporated business?
A limited company.
What is the most common form of an unincorporated business?
A sole trader.
What are the characteristics of a sole trader?
One person running an unincorporated business, personal and unlimited liability, can have employees.
What is a sole practitioner?
A professional who operates as a sole trader.
How do sole traders pay income tax?
As a self-employed person.
What is the liability of a sole trader for business debts?
Personal and unlimited liability.
What happens to a sole trader’s business when they retire or die?
The business ceases, individual assets and the business itself can be sold.
What are the characteristics of a partnership?
Two or more people running and owning a business together, unincorporated, can be in any trade or profession.
What is the default partnership agreement provided by?
The Partnership Act 1890.
Is a partnership a separate legal entity?
No, the partnership itself does not own any assets.
Who owns the partnership assets?
The partners.
What is the liability of partners in a partnership?
Personal and unlimited liability.
What is the default provision if partners do not disapply certain provisions?
The provisions of the Partnership Act 1890 apply and are implied.
What is personal liability in a business partnership?
Personal assets are at risk if debts cannot be paid.
How do partners divide profits and losses?
Equally between them.
How are partners taxed if they are individuals?
Separately as self-employed individuals.
How are partners taxed if one partner is a corporation?
The corporation may be liable to corporation tax on their share of the profits.
Are partners considered employees?
No, but they may work for the business.
What is the role of a sleeping partner?
They are not as involved daily, only in making fundamental decisions.
What are the characteristics of a limited partnership?
At least one general partner with unlimited liability and a limited partner with liability limited to their initial investment.
What is the requirement for limited partnerships before they can start trading?
They must be registered with the Registrar of Companies.
What are the conditions for limited liability in a limited partnership?
The limited partner must not control or manage the LP, have the power to make binding decisions, or remove their contribution to the LP.
What happens if a limited partner breaches the conditions for limited liability?
They will lose the protection of limited liability and be treated as a general partner with unlimited liability.
What are the types of companies?
Private or public, and can be limited by shares or by guarantee.
What is the requirement for private companies limited by shares before they can start trading?
They must be formed by registering with the Registrar of Companies.
What is the concept of separate legal personality in a company?
The people who own and run the company are separate from the company itself and are not liable for its debts.
Do individuals have limited liability in a company?
Yes.
What is the concept of treating a company as an independent person?
Legally incorporated companies have rights and liabilities.
When can the corporate veil be pierced?
When a person deliberately evades legal obligations or restrictions.
Who makes decisions in a company?
Directors or shareholders, or someone delegated by the directors.
What do shareholders provide to the company?
Money in return for shares.
What decisions are shareholders involved in?
Fundamental decisions affecting the company.
What introduces formality in decision-making in companies?
The division of responsibility between directors and shareholders.
What is a public limited company (plc)?
A company limited by shares that complies with CA 2006 requirements.
What are the requirements for a company to be a public company?
The constitution must state it is a public company and the name must include ‘public limited company’ or ‘plc’.
What is the authorized minimum for share capital in a company?
£50,000
What is the requirement for each allotted share in a company?
To be paid up to at least a quarter of its nominal value, plus any premium on it
Why operate as a plc?
More prestigious, can raise money by offering shares to the public, can join the stock market
What is the difference between plc’s and private companies in terms of regulation?
Plc’s are more regulated as they offer shares to the public, publicly traded companies are even more regulated
Can unlisted public companies offer shares to the public?
Yes, but it is harder for them to find buyers as their shares are not listed
How can a private company become a plc?
By re-registering and operating as a plc
What are the characteristics of an LLP?
Separate legal personality, limited liability for owners, informal and flexible management, partners taxed as in partnership
How many members are required to form an LLP?
Two or more members
What is the requirement for forming an LLP?
Filing a series of documents with the Registrar of Companies and paying the applicable fee
Is same-day registration available for forming an LLP?
Yes, but it is more expensive
When does an LLP legally come into existence?
On the date of incorporation on the certificate issued by the Registrar
What do the LLP Regulations 2001 provide?
A default contract with implied provisions for partners
What is a limited liability partnership (LLP)?
A partnership where individual members register as self-employed.
What are companies limited by guarantee used for?
Non-profit organizations.
How do shareholders in a company limited by guarantee guarantee the company’s debts?
By guaranteeing up to a specified amount, usually £1.
Why are unlimited companies rare?
Most people prefer running a business with limited liability.
What are community interest companies?
Limited liability companies that use profits for public good.
What are charitable incorporated organisations?
Corporate structures with reduced personal liability and single regulation.
What must overseas companies do if they want to operate in the UK?
Register details of their establishment within one month of opening.
What is a joint venture?
A commercial enterprise undertaken jointly by two or more parties.
What factors determine the best type of business?
Liability, tax, formalities, publicity, cost, status, finance.
Which types of businesses have a high risk of personal liability?
Sole traders and partnerships (not LLPs).
Which types of businesses have a low risk of personal liability?
Companies (private and public) and LLPs.
What are the advantages of a limited liability partnership (LLP)?
Individual members can register as self-employed.
What are the advantages of companies limited by guarantee?
Suitable for non-profit organizations.
What are the advantages of community interest companies?
Profits and assets used for public good.
What are the advantages of charitable incorporated organisations?
Reduced personal liability and single regulation.
What are the advantages of joint ventures?
Parties retain their own identity while pooling resources.
What are the disadvantages of unlimited companies?
Rare due to high personal liability for debts.
What are the disadvantages of overseas companies operating in the UK?
Must register details of establishment within one month.
What are the disadvantages of sole traders, partnerships, and LLPs in terms of tax?
May have higher tax obligations compared to companies.
What is the tax treatment for self-employed individuals?
Individuals are taxed as self-employed individuals.
Self-employed people only pay income tax on their profit, not their total earnings like employed people.
Who suffers the direct tax charge on the taxable profit for a company?
The company itself.
What is the standard rate of tax charged for companies?
A standard rate is charged irrespective of the company’s profit level.
What are the formalities required to set up sole traders and partnerships?
No formalities are required.
What are the formalities required to set up companies and LLPs?
Costly and time-consuming formalities, legal advice is likely required.
Are there any legal documents to be prepared after setting up sole traders and partnerships?
No, except for tax formalities to HMRC.
What formalities and documents must companies maintain and file?
Companies must maintain certain formalities, file documents to Companies House, and may require auditing.
Do sole traders and partnerships have freedom over decision-making?
Yes, they have freedom over decision-making.
Are companies subject to rules and requirements in decision-making?
Yes, companies are subject to the rules and requirements of the CA 2006.
What can partners do to ensure decision-making in partnerships?
Partners may enter into a partnership agreement to set out how decisions must be made.
What documents must limited liability partnerships file at Companies House?
LLPs are required to file certain documents, but not as many as companies.
Do LLPs have freedom over decision-making?
Yes, LLPs have freedom over how they make decisions, similar to general partnerships.
What is a partnership agreement?
A contract between partners that sets out terms and conditions of their relationship.
Is a partnership agreement made public?
No, it is confidential and there is no requirement to publish it.
Why is a partnership agreement advisable?
To address provisions in the PA 1890 that may be unacceptable for modern businesses.
What information must sole traders and partnerships disclose?
They must disclose the identity of the sole trader/partners and an address for service of documents.
What information must companies and LLPs reveal to the public?
They must reveal certain financial information and other information to the public at large.
What information must companies make public?
Directors, shareholders, significant decisions
What is the cost to set up sole traders and partnerships?
No legal or administrative costs
What is the cost to set up companies and LLPs?
Charge to set up and legal costs
What are the general charges for sole traders and partnerships?
General business charges
What are the general charges for companies and LLPs?
Extra administrative and legal requirements
What is the status of sole traders and partnerships?
Less commonly used
What is the status of companies and LLPs?
Preferred by businesses and individuals
What is a disadvantage of privacy for sole traders and partnerships?
Can make it undesirable to do business with them
What is an advantage of publicity for companies and LLPs?
Makes doing business with them easier
What is the finance security for sole traders and partnerships?
No additional security
What is the finance security for companies and LLPs?
Floating charge over all business assets
What is the advantage of finance security for companies and LLPs?
More desirable to lenders
What forms and documents are required to incorporate a new company?
Form IN01, Memorandum of association, Articles of association
Where are the applications processed for incorporating a new company?
Companies House in Cardiff
Who can make the application for incorporating a new company?
Individuals or professionals like solicitors, accountants, and company formation agents
How can an individual make their own application for incorporating a new company?
By post or online
How can professionals make an application for incorporating a new company?
By post, online, or using specialized software
What is a shelf company?
A pre-existing company used to avoid starting from scratch.
Who is the application addressed to?
The Registrar of Companies.
What does Companies House process and check?
Completeness, disqualified directors, and correct fee.
What does the certificate of incorporation state?
Company name, number, incorporation date, type, and registered office.
Who signs the certificate of incorporation?
The Registrar or their official seal.
What does the certificate of incorporation serve as?
Conclusive evidence of compliance.