Lesson 3 Flashcards
What are the different types of business organisations ?
- Sole trader
- Partnership
- Limited liability partnership (llp)
- Limited liability
- Charity
What is a sole trader ?
An individual in business trading under their name or a trading name . They are the owner and manager of, and are responsible for the operations of the business
What are some characteristics of a sole trader ?
- Their investment is called capital
- Income tax is paid on profits
- No formal accounting regulations , usually only SOPL/ SOFP
- No need to file annual returns
- Financial statements are private
- No specific laws relating to sole traders
Advantages of sole traders ?
- The owner has full independence
- All profits belong to the owner
- Easy to establish legally
Disadvantages of sole traders?
- Owner had unlimited liability and personal assets can be used as security
- Expansion can be hard because it relies on reinvestment of profits
- Losses are the owners responsibility
What is a partnership ?
2 or more people who own , manage and are responsible for the operations of a business
What are the characteristics of a partnership ?
- Investment is referred to as capital
- Profit is shared amounts partners
- Income tax is payed on any profit entitlement
- No formal accounting regulations apart from SOPL/ SOFP
- No requirement to file returns
- Applied legislation is the partnership act 1890
Advantages of a partnership ?
- Cost effective and easy to set up
- Increased capital as there is more than one person to invest
- Potential for specialisation as there is more than one personal all with different skills
Disadvantages of a partnership ?
- Decision making is slower as there is more than one person to consider
- Each partner is jointly liable for actions and debts of the partnership and has unlimited liability
- Conflict can arise between partners if they do not agree on something
What is an incorporated business ?
This is where the business is a separate legal entity and can legally enter into contracts , quite assets and be held liable for debts in its own right.
The owners would only be liable for their investment.
1. Limited liability partnerships
2. Limited companies
What is a limited liability partnership ?
This is an incorporated form of partnership where the partners are not liable for any debts incurred by the business . They are only liable for their investments.
What are some key points about limited liability partnerships ?
- Each member is still liable to pay income tax on profits earned
- Financial statements are the SOPL/ SOFP , supporting notes and possibly the auditors report
- Required to file any al reports in the form of conformation statements and annual accounts
- Financial statements are filled at companies house and are available for the public
- Laps are bound by the llp act 2000 and the lllp regulations 2009
What are some advantages of trading as an LLP ?
- Each partner is limited in their liability for the actions and debts of the partnership. They can only loose the amount they have invested
What are some disadvantages of a limited liability partnership ?
- The initial set up and reporting requirements are more complicated than a traditional partnership
- The financial statements are available to the public to view
What is a limited company ?
Another incorporated business where it is owned by shareholders and run by directors. The total investment Kent’s are known as equity and the shareholder investments are known as capital
What are the two main types of limited company ?
- LTDS
- PLCS
What is a LTD
This is a privately owned limited company where shareholders are invited to buy shares , they are usually smaller and family owned
What is a PLC
This is a publicly owned limited company , the shares are available to the general public are often traded in financial markets such as the stock exchange
What are some key points on limited companies ?
- Shareholders appoint directors , who are responsible for day to day running of companies. This is known as a stewardship.
- Profits are payed out by way of dividends
- Companies pay corporation tax on any profits
- Companies must prepare annual accounts in accordance with The companies act 2006 and IFRS
What are the advantages of a limited company ?
- Each shareholder is limited in liability to their investment amount , they can only loose upto that amount
- Limited companies are in a better position to obtain funds , they can get loans more easily
What are the disadvantages of a limited company?
1.The setup and running is more complex because of reporting requirements
- Financial statements are in the public domain
- Larger companies are required to have an annual audit
What are some key points about not for profit organisations ?
Not conducted to make profit
Do not have to report shareholders but do have to report financial statements
What are some examples of not-for-profit organisations ?
- Charities
- Clubs and societies
- Housing associations
- Non-governmental organisations
What do unincorporated businesses pay tax on ?
Owners pay income tax on profits made
What tax does an Incorporated business pay ?
It will pay corporation tax on profits, as it is a separate legal entity
What tax will a not for profit pay?
It will not pay tax as it does not exist to make profit
If a business has employees , what additional taxes will have to be paid and who to ?
PAYE
National insurance
Both paid to HMRC on behalf on the employee
If a business has turnover of more than 85,000 in a 12 month period , what must they do ?
They will have to add VAT to the cost of their products and pay this , less any VAT they claim to HMRC
What is the entity concept ?
This is where the business is seen as a separate entity and the accounting records must be kept separate from the owners affairs
What will a a person have to do to operate as a sole trader?
They will have to register as a self employed individual with HMRC
When must the sole trader register ?
By the 5th of October after the end of the tax year
What will a partnership agreement state ?
1.How disputes are resolved
2. Proportions of ownership
3. What happens if a partner does prematurely