Definition of Limited Partnership
The term “limited partnership” refers to the type of legal structure in business in which two or more individuals join hands to form a partnership firm. A limited partnership undertakes business activities like any other legal structure, while the profit is shared among the partners – at least one of the general and limited partners. The limited partner has limited liability only up to the extent of the capital invested in the partnership business. A limited partnership is also known as a silent partnership.
How does Limited Partnership work?
A limited partnership usually has two or more partners wherein each partner contributes to the business in the form of capital, expertise, labor, etc. Consequently, the partners share the profit generated and the losses incurred by the firm based on their contribution to the business. Typical limited partnership business has two categories of partners – general and limited.
A general partner takes care of the firm’s routine activities and is fully liable for the firm’s debts and other business-related obligations. On the other hand, the role of a limited partner in a limited partnership business is very limited, just as the name indicates. Hence, limited partners are also popularly known as silent partners or passive investors.
Typically, the limited partners contribute capital to the business; based on that; they share the firm’s profits and losses. However, they don’t participate in the mundane management of the business like the general partners. Also, they are liable for the debts and other business-related obligations to the extent of their capital contribution to the business.
Example of Limited Partnership
Let us assume that John runs a Cloud Kitchen in California and has David as his partner. John is the general partner in this business with vast working experience in the food and beverage industry. In contrast, David is a limited partner with no working experience in this industry. David has invested capital of $10 million in John’s business, and the fund helps John pay his staff’s salary, purchase raw materials, and cover other business expenses. David doesn’t get involved in the day-to-day business management but receives a share in the profit because of his capital contribution.
So, David earns a passive income from the restaurant business while John keeps him updated about the business’s financial position. Moreover, David’s investment risk is limited to the extent of his capital, i.e., $10 million. David will not bear any losses or business obligations beyond that value, and it will be entirely John’s liability. In short, David’s investment has unlimited upside potential, while the downside risk is limited to the extent of his investment in the business.
How to form a Limited Partnership?
To form a firm, you must file a Certificate of Limited Partnership with the Secretary of State’s office. This certificate includes all basic information about your business.
Once the Certificate of Limited Partnership is filed, you and your partners should draft the agreement for the partnership. Although the agreement is not a legal requirement, it is a very critical document as it provides a blueprint of how you intend to run the business. In addition, the agreement clearly states each partner’s rights and responsibilities.
Benefits of Limited Partnership
The following are some of the major benefits of a limited partnership:
- This business structure results in the perfect blend of the financial resources of the limited partners and the skills & expertise of the general partners.
- The downside risk of the limited partners is limited to the extent of their investment in the business.
- As the limited partners don’t interfere with the day-to-day management of the business, the general partners can make their decisions independently without the limited partners’ influence.
- This business structure allows the partners to report their share of the profit and loss on their tax return, a simple pass-through tax filing.
Disadvantages of Limited Partnership
The following are some of the major disadvantages:
- First, the general partners are exposed to maximum personal liability for debts and other business-related obligations.
- Because the limited partners are not involved in decision-making, there may be conflict between the partners.
- It is a much more demanding business structure than a general partnership, requiring more paperwork and compliance.
Key takeaways
Some of the key takeaways of the article are:
- A limited partnership firm is formed when two or more partners decide to do business together. Still, the partners can be categorized into general and limited partners.
- The general partners take care of the business and bear unlimited liability for the debts and other business obligations. On the other hand, limited partners’ liabilities are only up to the amount invested in the business.
- The formation of limited partnerships is regulated by most US states requiring them to register with the Secretary of State.
Conclusion
So, it can be concluded that the structure of a limited partnership is best suited for people who want to start a business but don’t have the capital for the same. Such inspired entrepreneurs can involve their friends or family members as limited partners who are willing to invest money into the business but not participate in it. In this way, both limited and general partners benefit through better returns on investment and fulfilling funding requirements.
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This is a guide to Limited Partnership. Here we discuss the definition, working, examples, and formation of limited partnership along with its benefits and disadvantages. You may also have a look at the following articles to learn more –
