Patnerships and LLPs Flashcards
What governs traditional partnerships in the UK?
Partnership Act 1890 (PA 1890)
The PA 1890 provides the legal framework for partnerships, outlining their formation, operation, and liabilities.
How is a traditional partnership defined?
A relationship between persons carrying on a business in common with a view to making a profit (s 1(1) PA 1890)
Partners may not always be aware that a partnership has formed.
How many persons are required to form a partnership?
At least two persons
A company can also be a partner since the PA 1890 does not distinguish between actual and legal persons.
What is the liability status of partners in a traditional partnership?
Partners are personally liable for debts and obligations of the firm
A partnership has no separate legal personality from its partners.
What is the duty of partners to one another?
An overriding duty of good faith
This duty includes honest and full disclosure, unauthorized personal profit, and conflict of duty and interest as outlined in the PA 1890.
What type of liability do partners have in contracts?
Joint liability for all debts and obligations incurred while they are partners (s 9 PA 1890)
This means all partners are collectively responsible for the firm’s debts.
What is the principle of ‘holding out’ in partnerships?
A non-partner may be personally liable for partnership debts if they have held themselves out as a partner (s 14 PA 1890)
This includes making representations to third parties about being a partner.
What is the taxation status of partnerships?
Tax transparency; each partner pays tax on their share of income or gains
Partnerships do not pay tax as a separate entity but must file a single tax return.
What happens if a new partner joins an existing partnership?
They will not automatically be liable for debts incurred before joining (s 17(1) PA 1890)
However, they are liable for debts incurred while they are a partner.
Fill in the blank: A partnership can be formed without any _______.
legal formality
This makes it easy to establish a partnership.
True or False: A partnership is a separate legal entity from its partners.
False
Partnerships are not separate legal entities; they are considered as the partners collectively.
What section of PA 1890 applies when determining if a firm is bound by a contract made by a partner?
Section 5 PA 1890
This section provides rules for agency when the agent is a partner.
What does the term ‘apparent authority’ mean in the context of partnerships?
Authority that arises when a principal allows a third party to believe an agent has the authority to bind the firm
This can occur even if the agent does not have actual authority.
What are the two types of liabilities partners face?
- Contractual liability
- Tortious liability
Partners are jointly and severally liable for both types of liabilities.
What does the term ‘fiduciary relationship’ imply in partnerships?
Partners owe a duty of good faith to one another
Similar to the duty owed by a trustee to a beneficiary.
What is the primary reason clients may want to avoid forming a partnership?
Concerns about being subject to unlimited liability
The PA 1890’s provisions may not suit modern business practices.
What is required for a former partner to avoid liability for new debts after leaving a partnership?
Notification of their departure must be given to third parties
This can be done through actual or constructive notice.
What does the Partnership Act 1890 provide?
The framework for regulating traditional partnerships and fallback provisions in absence of a partnership agreement.
When does a partnership come into existence according to PA 1890?
When the conditions set out in s 1(1) PA 1890 are satisfied.
What sections of PA 1890 determine the relationship between partners and third parties?
Sections 5 – 18.
Can partners vary mutual rights and obligations under PA 1890?
Yes, by unanimous consent according to s 19 PA 1890.
What is a partnership agreement?
A formal written agreement that governs how the partnership will be run.
List some common provisions included in a partnership agreement.
- Commencement and duration
- Partnership name and place of business
- Partnership property
- Capital, profits and losses
- Drawings / Salary
- Accounts
- Dissolution of the partnership
- Duties, powers and restrictions on partners
- Partnership decision making
- Incoming partners
- Retirement/expulsion of existing partners
- Non compete / other restrictions
What happens if partners continue in business after a fixed term without a new agreement?
They are presumed to be partners on the same terms as before (s 27 PA 1890).