Several forms of Business Organisations and their functionality, advantages & disadvantages.
Namely Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Corporations and LLC.
Unit 2 Part 2 (BBA 104: Business Organisation) according to the syllabus of Kanpur University, Kanpur.
2. INTRODUCTION
A business can be organized in one of several
ways, and the form its owners choose will
affect the company's and owners' legal
liability and income tax treatment. Here
we’ll discuss the most common options and
their major defining characteristics.
4. SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP
A sole proprietorship is a business owned and
operated by one individual.
Sole proprietorships own all the assets of the
business and the profits generated by it. They also
assume complete responsibility for any of its
liabilities or debts. In the eyes of the law and the
public, you are one in the same with the business.
5. Advantages of Sole Proprietorship
Easy to start
No registration
No profit sharing
Easy decision-making
Keep Secrets (business techniques)
Complete Control
6. Disadvantages of Sole
Proprietorship
Unlimited liability
Employee benefits such as owner’s medical
insurance premiums are not directly
deductible from business income (taxes)
Raising funds
Limited Life
Loss in absence
7. PARTNERSHIP
A Partnership is a legal relationship formed by
the agreement between two or more individuals
to carry on a business as co-owners.
Each member of such a group is individually known
as ‘partner’ and collectively the members are known
as a ‘partnership firm’.
These firms are governed by the Indian Partnership Act, 1932.
8. Characteristics of Partnership
1. Number of Partners: Maximum limit is 10 in case
of banking business and 20 in case of all other
types of business.
2. Contractual Relationship: The agreement in
writing is known as a ‘Partnership Deed’.
3. Competence of Partners: Minors and insolvent
persons are not eligible.
9. … Characteristics of Partnership
4. Sharing of Profit and Loss: In absence of an
agreement, they share it equally.
5. Transfer of Interest: No partner can sell or transfer
his interest in the firm to anyone without the
consent of other partners.
6. Voluntary Registration: Registration of partnership
is not compulsory. But since registration entitles the
firm to several benefits, it is considered desirable.
10. Advantages of Partnership
Relatively easy to start.
The ability to raise funds.
More skilled persons.
Loss sharing.
No loss in absence.
11. Disadvantages of Partnership
Unlimited liability.
Profit sharing.
Conflicts
Limited life.
Transferability is difficult.
12. CORPORATIONS
A Corporation, chartered by the state in which it is
headquartered, is considered by law to be a unique
entity, separate and apart from those who own it.
A Corporation can be taxed; it can be sued; it can enter
into contractual agreements. The owners of a
corporation are its shareholders. The shareholders
elect a board of directors to oversee the major policies
and decisions. The corporation has a life of its own
and does not dissolve when ownership changes.
14. Advantages of Coporations
Limited Liability.
Transfer of ownership by sale of stock.
Easier to raise capital through shares & bonds.
Continuity of existence.
Benefits of large scale operation.
Professional Management.
Social Benefit.
15. Disadvantages of Corporations
Formation is not easy.
Control by a Group.
Many Legal Formalities.
Excessive government control.
Delay in Policy Decisions.
16. Limited Liability Company
An LLC is a limited liability company. This business structure
protects the owner's personal assets from financial liability
and provides some protection against personal liability.
It is designed to provide limited liability features of a
corporation and the tax efficiencies and operational flexibility
of a partnership. Formation is more complex and formal than
that of a general partnership.
LLC’s must not have more than two of the four characteristics
that define corporations: Limited liability to the extent of
assets; continuity of life; centralization of management; and
free transferability of ownership interests.
17. Advantages of LLC
Limited Liability.
Tax Flexibility.
Less Paperwork.
Investment allocation flexibility.
Freedom in management.
Limitless ownership.
18. Disadvantages of LLC
Higher registration fees.
Government regulation.
Lack of case law.
Limit on Building capital.
Self-Employment Taxes