Chapter 6 - Types of trade Flashcards
What’s a sole trader?
Single person who owns and runs the business
What’s the distinction between the owner of the business and the business itself for a sole trader
There is none. The trader can be using a business name but it’s not a seperate legal entity
What’s the advantages of being a sole trader?
*Profits all belong to owner
*No formal procedures to set up
*Independence (no need to gain approval from other people)
*Self-accountability (no need to disclose information about the business other than to tax authorities)
What are the disadvantages of trading as a sole trader
*Risk (debt of the business accrue to the owner personally)
*Limited options for capital injections (owner must contribute personally or take personal loans)
*High dependence on the owner (if the owner is ill it can lead to issues for the business, death of the owner is likely to lead to end of the business)
*If the trader does not engage employees the success of the business is dependent on the owners skills.
What’s a partnership
Partnership is a business arrangement where two or more people share ownership and the responsibility of running the business. Partners typically contribute money, skills, or other resources and share the profits and losses of the business.
Does a partnership separate legal entity
NO
What happens if one of the two partners die in a partnership
They become soletraders
How does HMRC decide what date the partnership begins?
Date on which the parties open the bank account
Why choose a partnership?
Follows specific legal rules about contract, agency and unique partnership law
How partnerships are formed
They can be created informally by simply agreeing to run a business together
They can also create a formal partnership agreement which serves as a contract between them.
What are the key points of the Partnership Act 1890
*Profit and Loss Sharing: All partners share profits and losses equally
*Management rights: Each partner has the right to manage the business
*Liability Protection: Firm must protect partner from liabilities incurred
*No Salary: Partners don’t get paid for working in a partnership
*Agreement Changes: Changes to the partnership agreement needs all partners to agree
*Capital interest: No interest is paid on partnership agreement need all partners to agree
*Admitting new partners: Requires approval from all current partners
*Expulsion of Partners: A partner can be expelled if agreement allows and a majority agrees
*Dissolution: Partners manage affairs to wind up the business, settle debt and distribute the remaining assets
*Capital Deficiency: If there’s a shortfall, it’s shared in proportion to the original contributions of the partners
*Record Keeping: Partnerships records must be stored at the business location and accessible to all partners
According to the Partnership Act 1890 how are profits and losses shared?
Equally among all partners
According to the Partnership Act 1890 Who has the right to manage a partnership under the Act?
Every partner
According to the Partnership Act 1890 - How are the ordinary management decisions made in a partnership
By majority of the partners
According to the Partnership Act 1890 - How can changes to a partnership agreement be made?
With the unanimous consent of all partners
According to the Partnership Act 1890 - Is interest paid on the original capital contributed by partners?
5% Can be paid on further contributions
According to the Partnership Act 1890 - What is required to admit a new partner into a partnership
Approval from all existing partners
According to the Partnership Act 1890 - Can a partner be expelled from the partnership? If so, how?
Yes, if the agreement permits and a majority of partners agree
According to the Partnership Act 1890 - What happens when a partnership is dissolved?
Partners wind up affairs and distribute any remaining assets
According to the Partnership Act 1890 - How is a capital deficiency handled among partners?
It is shared in proportion to the capital originally contributed
According to the Partnership Act 1890 - Where must partnership records and acounts be kept?
At the business premises, accessible to all partners
What are the fiduciary duty of partners in a partnership
To act in good faith, avoid conflicts of interest, and not make personal profits without consent
In what situation can a partnership automatically end?
- Death or bankruptcy of a partner (unless agreed otherwise)
- End of a fixed term (if partnership was for a specific period)
- Completion of a single venture (if agreement specifies this will dissolve the partnership)
- If continuing of a single venture (if the agreement specifies this will dissolve the partnership)
- A partner gives notice to dissolve the partnership becomes illegal
- A court orders the dissolution.