Partnership business structure
A partnership is when 2 or more people operate a business as co-owners and share income. All co-owners (i.e. partners) act on behalf of each other in the business. Like the sole trader structure, a partnership entity is not separate from its operators.
Advantages of partnerships 1. Partnerships are easier and less expensive than companies to set up.
2. Partners may carry on business under a trading (business) name.
3. Partnerships combine the resources and expertise of a number of people.
4. Partnerships are simple to administer. Profits and losses are shared between partners according to his/her share (as specified in the 'partnership agreement').
5. Unlike companies, partnerships do not have to disclose their profits to the public (i.e. greater privacy).
6. Changing the legal structure is relatively simple (i.e. changing from a partnership into a company at a later stage).
Disadvantages of partnerships 1. All partners together are personally responsible for business debts. Each partner is individually liable for debts incurred by the other partners. This is known as being 'jointly and severally' liable (i.e. unlimited liability).
2. All partners have a right to participate in the management of the partnership (unless otherwise agreed).
3. Tax is charged at the personal tax rate. As business earnings increase, so does the tax rate.
4. Partners cannot transfer their ownership to someone outside the partnership unless the other partner(s) agree.
5. Personal differences may interfere with business.
Source:
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/types-legal-structures/legal-structures/partnership
