A limited liability partnership is a combination of both partnership and corporation. It has the feature of both these forms. As the name suggests partners have limited liability in the company which means that the personal assets of the partners are not used for paying off the debts of the company. Nowadays it has become a very popular form of business as many entrepreneurs are opting for this. There are a number of partners in the firm and hence they are not liable or responsible for others misconduct. Everyone is liable for their own acts. All limited liability partnership is governed under the limited liability partnership act of 2008. However, in India LLP was introduced in April 2009.
It is a separate
legal entity distinct from its owners. It can enter into a contract and acquire
property in its name. LLP form is not just prevailing in India. It is also seen
in countries like the United Kingdom, Australia etc.
Easy to form- Forming an LLP is an easy process. It is not complicated and time consuming like the process of a company. The minimum amount of fees for incorporating an LLP is Rs 500 and the maximum amount which can be spent is Rs 5600.
Liability- The partners of the LLP is having limited liability which means partners are not liable to pay the debts of the company from their personal assets. No partner is responsible for any other partner misbehaves or misconduct.
Perpetual succession- The life of the Limited Liability Partnership is not affected by the death, retirement or insolvency of the partner. The LLP will get winded up only as per provisions of the act of 2008.
Management of the company- All the decisions and various management activities are seen and done by the directors of the company. Shareholders receive very little power as compared to the board of directors.
Easy transferability of ownership- There is no restriction upon joining and leaving the LLP. It is easy to admit as a partner and to leave the firm or to easily transfer the ownership to others.
Taxation- Yes, it is the benefit of LLP. Limited liability partnership is exempted from various taxes such as dividend distribution tax and minimum alternative tax. The rate of tax on Limited Liability Partnership is less than as compared to the company.
No compulsory audit required- Every business has to
appoint an auditor for checking the internal management of the company and its
accounts. However, in the case of LLP, there is no mandatory audit required.
The audit is required only in those cases where the turnover of the company
exceeds Rs 40 lakhs and where the contribution exceeds Rs 25 lakhs.
Not covered all states- Due to various tax benefits and provisions many states restrict the formation of LLP in their states. This leads to a disadvantage as many states don’t allow their entrepreneurs to form this.
Less credibility- One of the major demerits of a Limited Liability Partnership is that many people do not consider this as a credible business. People still trust more on company or partnerships.
Partners not consulting- Partners of the Limited Liability Partnership don’t consult each other in case of decisions and agreement.
Transfer of interest- Though interest and ownership can be transferred but it usually takes a long procedure. Various formalities are required to comply with the provisions of the act.
Lack of recognition- As LLP is introduced in India in
2009 only it is not recognized by all. Due to its less recognition, it leads to
hindrance in smooth functioning of the firm. People are not likely to form LLP.