REFRESHED

At tax time, each partner files a Schedule K-1 form, which indicates his or her share of partnership income, deductions and tax credits. In addition, each partner is required to report profits from the partnership on his or her individual tax return. Even though the partnership pays no income tax, it must compute its income and report it on a separate informational return, Form 1065. Personal liability is a major concern if you use a general partnership to structure your business. Similar to a sole proprietorship, general partners are personally liable for the partnership’s obligations and debt.

In addition, each general partner can act on behalf of the partnership, take out loans and make business decisions that will affect and be binding on all the partners (if the general partnership agreement permits)

Keep in mind that partnerships are more expensive to establish than sole proprietorships because they require more extensive legal and accounting services.

Protect yourself and your business with a partnership agreement. Starting a business with a partner? It may be difficult to talk about problems during your honeymoon stage, but that’s exactly when you should. A written partnership agreement helps guide you when questions arise.

Selon W. Thurston Debnam Jr., associé chez Smith, Debnam, Narron, Wyche, Story Myers LLP, un cabinet d'avocats de Raleigh, en Caroline du Nord, un accord de partenariat devrait répondre aux questions suivantes :,en,Quel est l’investissement de chaque partenaire ? L’un investit-il de l’argent et l’autre de l’énergie ? L’un des partenaires possède-t-il du matériel que vous utiliserez dans l’entreprise, et ce fait mérite-t-il d’être pris en compte dans le cadre de l’investissement de démarrage ?,en,Quelles sont les responsabilités et devoirs de chaque partenaire ? Soyez précis sur le rôle de chaque partenaire dans les opérations quotidiennes de l’entreprise.,en

• What is each partner’s investment? Is one investing cash and the other energy? Do any of the partners own equipment that you’ll use in the business, and does that fact deserve consideration as part of the start-up investment?

• What are the responsibilities and duties of each partner? Be specific about each partner’s role in the day-to-day operations of the company.

• Si un partenaire devient invalide, pendant combien de temps recevra-t-il une part des bénéfices ? Si un partenaire décède, qu’arrive-t-il à cette part ? Un bon moyen de régler ce problème : une assurance vie pour tous les partenaires.,en,Les partenaires peuvent-ils avoir d’autres intérêts de partenariat extérieurs ? En particulier, l’intérêt peut-il porter sur des entreprises similaires ou concurrentes ?,en,Que ferez-vous si l’un des partenaires souhaite se retirer ? En règle générale, vous mettrez en place un accord de rachat, mais c’est une très bonne idée de décider des conditions avant que la situation ne se présente. Vous souhaiterez également inclure une clause de non-concurrence.,en

• Can the partners have other outside partnership interests? In particular, can interest be in similar or competitive businesses?

• What will you do if one partner wants to withdraw? Typically, you’ll set up a buyout agreement, but it’s a very good idea to decide on the terms before the situation arises. You’ll also want to include a noncompete covenant.

• How will you restrict partnership-interest transfers? Can a partner transfer his or her ownership to anyone, or can you limit that transfer? This means the remaining partners won’t find themselves in partnership with someone they object to. This is frequently used to protect the business in the event that one of the partners gets a divorce and his interest becomes a part of the divorce settlement.

• Can a partner pledge his or her interest as collateral for a loan?

• Are additional contributions mandatory? If the business needs capital in the future , are partners required to make capital contributions?

• How will conflicts be resolved? Most often, an arbitrator is used.

Debnam recommends that every business partnership-regardless of the relationship of the individuals-begin with a written agreement. “It ensures that the partners have the same vision,” he says.

A partnership doesn’t pay tax on its income but “passes through” any profits or losses to the individual partners

But there’s another reason for a partnership agreement. “Poorly drawn agreements keep litigation attorneys in business,” Debnam notes. “The best reason to have a good agreement is to avoid the legal fees when you have a meltdown.