Limited Liability Partnership LLP
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
It is important that businesses have a formal structure that defines their legal responsibilities. Traditionally, this has included business structures such as; sole trader, limited company, partnership, and so on. The limited liability partnership (LLP) is a relatively recent business structure which combines elements of the traditional partnership with those of limited companies.
A limited liability partnership can be set up between 2 or more individuals and each member can be a person or a company. Members of LLPs carry joint, but not several liability for the actions of the LLP, and so a member cannot lose more than they have invested, unless fraud or some other form of wrongdoing is proven.
LLPs are most commonly found in the accountancy and legal professions but they are increasingly used as vehicles for property investment and, in that context, are particularly useful where member investors may have very differing tax positions to consider; a situation which can be assisted by the simple tax transparency which LLPs provide.
[edit] Profits and taxation
In a limited liability partnership, the businesses’ profits are divided between the partners. From a tax perspective LLPs are treated in the same way as traditional partnerships in that income is taxed in the year that it is apportioned to the members. Members are therefore effectively treated as self-employed in so far as tax is concerned.
Unlike traditional partnerships, LLPs are obliged to file accounts and other documents at Companies House in much the same way that applies to companies so, to that extent, elements of their affairs are visible on the public record.
[edit] Setting up
In order to set up a limited liability partnership, the following is required:
- A name.
- Two or more designated members.
- A registered address.
- A limited liability partnership agreement which states how the business will be run.
- Registration of the company with Companies House.
It is possible to register the partnership by post, through approved software or through an agent.
Usually a LLP is governed according to a LLP Agreement which is similar to a company’s memorandum and articles, setting out the responsibilities for the partners and the profit share. LLPs are highly flexible entities and the terms of agreement may include the following details:
- Profit share agreement between members.
- Responsibilities for agreeing decisions.
- Responsibilities for individual members’.
- The procedure for members leaving or joining the partnership.
[edit] Responsibilities of the members
All partnerships require at least two designated members who will have responsibilities for activities within the company; for example, maintaining the company accounts. It is possible to have any number of ordinary members.
All members must undertake their duties and meet any legal responsibilities as detailed in the limited liability partnership agreement.
The designated members have more roles and responsibilities than the ordinary members, which may include:
- Registering the partnership for self-assessment with HMRC.
- Registering the partnership for VAT (if sales are anticipated to exceed the VAT threshold).
- Appointing an auditor.
- Maintaining accounting records.
- Preparing, signing and sending annual accounts and other documentation to Companies House.
- Notifying Companies House of any changes to the partnership.
- Acting on behalf of the partnership if it is closed and dissolved.
This article was created by--Martinc 15:35, 2 April 2015 (BST)
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Business model.
- Company acquisitions in construction.
- Construction industry institutes and associations.
- Construction organisation design.
- Construction organisations and strategy.
- IR35.
- Joint venture.
- Limited company.
- Partnering and joint ventures.
- Partnership.
- Personal service company.
- Sole trader.
- Special purpose vehicles.
- VAT.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.