The differences between a partnership and a company are as follows:
Legal Structure:
-
Partnership: A partnership is an informal business structure where two or more individuals manage and operate a business.
-
Company: A company is a legal entity that is separate from its owners (shareholders), and it operates under specific regulations.
Liability:
-
Partnership: The liability of the partners is unlimited. Partners are personally liable for the debts of the business.
-
Company: The liability of shareholders is limited to the amount they have invested in the company.
Taxation:
-
Partnership: The income of the partnership is taxed at the personal income tax rate of the partners.
-
Company: A company is taxed as a separate entity, and corporate taxes apply to its profits.
Management:
-
Partnership: Partners share equal management responsibilities unless otherwise agreed.
-
Company: A company is managed by a board of directors elected by shareholders.
Profit Distribution:
-
Partnership: Profits and losses are shared according to the partnership agreement.
-
Company: Profits are distributed to shareholders in the form of dividends, based on the number of shares held.
Conclusion:
Both partnerships and companies offer unique advantages, and the choice between them depends on factors like liability, taxation, and management preferences.