Business - Flashcards Full Deck
What constitutes a partnership?
Persons (humans or legal entities) carrying on a business in common with the intention of making a profit, regardless of actual profit. No formalities required; evidence of agreement to share profits is a presumption of partnership.
Is a written agreement required to form a partnership?
No, but a written agreement is advisable for clarity and evidence. An oral agreement is less reliable.
Is there a requirement for partners to make financial contributions?
No requirement for financial contribution. The minimum number of partners is 2, and there’s no upper limit.
What is meant by actual authority in a partnership?
Actual authority is the authority a partner believes they have based on communications or dealings. It can be express (granted explicitly) or implied (arising from course of dealings).
What is apparent authority?
Apparent authority is when a partner’s act appears to be related to the business of the partnership and thus binds the firm, even if the partner lacks actual authority.
Is a partnership liable for a partner’s torts?
Yes, if committed in the ordinary course of business or with authority from fellow partners.
How is liability for partnership debts structured?
Each partner is personally liable for all debts. Incoming partners are liable for debts incurred after joining, while outgoing partners are liable for debts incurred during their tenure unless a novation agreement is made.
What happens to property bought with partnership funds?
It is deemed partnership property and cannot be used for personal purposes. It is not available to satisfy individual partner’s personal debts.
How are profits and losses shared in a partnership?
Profits and losses are shared equally unless otherwise agreed. The right to share profits is assignable, but the assignee cannot manage or demand profit shares.
How are management decisions made in a partnership?
Each partner has equal management rights unless agreed otherwise. Most decisions require a simple majority, while changes like admitting new partners or changing business nature require a unanimous vote.
What are some key duties of partners?
(i) Render true accounts and full information, (ii) Account for profits from the partnership’s property or name, (iii) Refrain from competing with the partnership, (iv) Fiduciary duty to act in good faith for the partnership’s benefit.
What happens to a partnership upon dissolution?
The business continues only to wind up existing affairs. New business cannot be undertaken. Debts are settled, and remaining funds are distributed among partners based on their capital contributions.
How are partners taxed?
Each partner is liable for income tax on their share of profits, even if the profits are not distributed.
What is the default rule for participation in the management of a partnership?
All partners have an equal right to participate in management unless the partnership agreement specifies otherwise.
Do partners have a right to remuneration for their services to the partnership?
No, partners have no right to remuneration unless there is an agreement to the contrary.
How are profits and losses shared among partners if the partnership agreement does not specify otherwise?
Partners share profits and losses equally if the agreement is silent on this matter.
What is the right of a partner regarding indemnification?
A partner has the right to be indemnified by fellow partners for expenses incurred on behalf of the partnership.
What can the other partners do if a partner wilfully or persistently breaches the Partnership Agreement?
The other partners may apply to a court for dissolution.
What are the characteristics of an LLP?
An LLP consists of two or more persons carrying on a business with a view to profit, with incorporation documents filed at Companies House. It is a separate legal entity and liable for its own debts. Members cannot be pursued for the LLP’s debts.
What documents are required for LLP incorporation?
The incorporation documents must include the LLP’s name, country and address of the registered office, names and addresses of each member, identities of designated members, and details of people with significant control.
How many designated members must an LLP have?
At least 2 must be designated members.
What happens if an LLP has only one member for more than 6 months?
The sole member will become personally liable for the debts of the LLP.
What are the rights of LLP members?
Members have the right to share profits equally (unless agreed otherwise), indemnification, inspect books and records at any time, and manage the LLP.
What are the duties of LLP members?
Members must refrain from competing with the LLP, profiting from the use of the LLP’s name or property, and must account to the LLP for any profits.