Essential Elements of a Partnership Business
The law relating to partnership firm in India is prescribed in the Indian Partnership Act of 1932. This Act lays down the rights and duties of the partners between themselves and other legal relations between partners and third persons, which are incidental to the formation of a partnership. Thus, the Act establishes the position of a partner as well as a partnership firm vis-à-vis third parties, in legal and contractual relations arising out of and in the course of the business of a partnership firm. In this article, we look at the various aspects of running a partnership firm in India in detail.
Partnership
A partnership is a relationship between individuals who have agreed to share the profits of a business carried on by all or any one of them acting for all as stated in Section 4 of the Indian Partnership Act. Therefore, a partnership consists of three essential elements.
- A partnership must be a result of an agreement between two or more individuals.
- The agreement must be built to share the profits obtained from the business.
- The business must be run by all or any of them representing the rest.
All these conditions must coexist before a partnership can come into existence.
Essential Elements of a Partnership
Some key elements are required for the formation of a Partnership. They are listed below with a brief explanation.
An Agreement
A partnership is the result of an agreement between two or more persons. It should be noted that this sort of a deal can arise only from a contract and not from status. This is why a partnership is distinguishable from a Hindu Undivided Family carrying on family business. The reason is that this kind of an alliance is a creation only out of a mutual agreement. Thus, the nature of a partnership is voluntary and contractual.
An agreement from which a partnership relationship arise may be express. It may also be implied from the Partnership Act done by the partners and from a consistent course of conduct being followed, showing a mutual understanding between them. This agreement may be in oral or in writing.
Sharing Profit of Business
When it comes to sharing profits of the business, two propositions are to be considered.
Firstly, there must be a business that exists. For this purpose, the term ‘business’ would generally mean every trade, occupation, and profession. The existence of a company is crucial. The motive of a business is the “acquisition of gains” that leads to the formation of a partnership. So, there can be no partnership where there is no intention to carry on a business and to share the profits obtained from the same. For example, co-owners who share the rent derived from a piece of land are not considered partners as a business does not exist. Similarly, no charitable institution or club may be called a partnership. However, a Joint Stock Company may be floated as a partnership for non-economic purposes.
Secondly, there must be an agreement concerning the sharing of profits. For example, A and B buy certain bales of cotton which they agree to sell on their joint account and to share the benefits equally. In such a situation, A and B are partners in respect to the business they have planned out. However, an agreement to share the losses is not an essential element that is considered. However, in the event of damages, unless agreed otherwise, these must be borne in a profit-sharing ratio.
Running the Business
The third requirement for a partnership is that the business must be carried on by all the partners or by one or more of the partners acting for all. This is the crucial principle of the partnership law. An act of one partner in the course of the business of the firm is, in fact, an act of all partners. A partner carrying on a business is the principal as well as the agent for all the other partners. Therefore, it should be noted that the real test of a partnership is a mutual agency rather than sharing of profits. If the element of interactive agency is absent, then there will be no partnership. Sharing of benefits is the only Prima Facie evidence which can be rebutted by stronger evidence. This, this prima facie evidence can be countered by proving that there is no mutual agency.
Created & Posted By Aashima
Accounts Executive at TAXAJ
TAXAJ is a consortium of CA, CS, Advocates & Professionals from specific fields to provide you a One Stop Solution for all your Business, Financial, Taxation & Legal Matters under One Roof. Some of them are: Launch Your Start-Up Company/Business, Trademark & Brand Registration, Digital Marketing, E-Stamp Paper Online, Closure of Business, Legal Services, Payroll Services, etc. For any further queries related to this or anything else visit TAXAJ
Watch all the Informational Videos here: YouTube Channel
TAXAJ Corporate Services LLP
Address: 1/11, 1st Floor, Sulahkul Vihar, Old Palam Road, Dwarka, Delhi-110078
Contact: 8961228919 ; 8802812345 | E-Mail: connect@taxaj.com
Related Articles
Introduction to Partnership Firm
Introduction to Partnership Firm Partnership is an association of two or more individuals who agree to share the profits of a lawful business. It is managed and carried on either by all or by any, or some of them acting for all. The formation of ...Convert Partnership Firm to LLP
The shift from traditional partnerships to Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) has increased in recent years. The reason behind this is that LLPs offer more flexibility, unlimited partners and the like. But the real driving force behind the shift ...LLP VS Partnership Firm
Difference Between LLP and Partnership Firm A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) and a partnership firm are two types of business structures through which partners can carry out their business. A minimum of two persons willing to be partners are ...Should You Start a Partnership Firm in India?
Partnership firm A Partnership firm is a type of business entity wherein the partners involved agreed to share the profits and losses incurred by the business in a predetermined manner. Additionally, partnership firm registration serves as the right ...Dissolution Of Partnership Firm Journal Entries
Reasons for dissolution of a firm: Due to continued losses. When the court orders dissolution. At the will of any partner in case of a general partnership. On the insolvency of all the partners. On the expiry of term or objectives. Difference between ...