Types of ventures: Entrep mod 1 Flashcards
Sole Traders:
Formation:
How many persons in a sole trader?
One. It is run independently.
Sole Traders:
Owner’s Liability:
The owner has unlimited personal liability for the debts and liabilities of the business. This means that personal assets can be used to satisfy business debts if the business assets are insufficient.
Sole Traders:
Tax Liability:
The profits of the business are taxed as part of the owner’s personal income. The business itself does not pay separate taxes, which simplifies the tax reporting process.
Sole Traders:
Transferability of ownership
the ownership cannot be easily transferred. If the owner wishes to sell or transfer the business, they will typically need to sell the assets or the entire business as a going concern.
Sole Traders:
Continuity of venture
The continuity of a sole trader business is directly tied to the owner. If the owner chooses to cease operations or passes away, the business may cease to exist unless arrangements are made for its continuation.
Sole Traders:
Cost of formation
Forming a sole trader business is relatively simple and inexpensive. There are minimal legal requirements, and the owner can start operations without significant startup costs.
Sole Traders:
Ability to raise capital
Sole traders typically face challenges when it comes to raising capital. They rely on personal savings, loans, or profits generated by the business for funding. It can be difficult to attract outside investors or secure large amounts of financing.
General Partnership:
Formation
It can be established through a formal written agreement, but it can also be created through an oral agreement or implied by the conduct of the partners.
General Partnership:
Owner’s Liability
In a general partnership, each partner has unlimited personal liability for the debts and liabilities of the business. This means that personal assets can be used to satisfy business debts if the partnership assets are insufficient.
General Partnership:
Number of owners
Two or more
General Partnership:
Tax Liability
A general partnership is considered a pass-through entity for tax purposes. This means that the partnership itself does not pay taxes. Instead, profits and losses “pass through” to the individual partners, who report their share on their personal tax returns.
General Partnership:
Transferability of ownership
Unlike a corporation, a general partnership typically does not have shares that can be easily transferred. If a partner wishes to sell or transfer their ownership interest, they will usually need the consent of the other partners.
General Partnership:
Continuity of Venture
The continuity of a general partnership is dependent on the partnership agreement. If a partner leaves, dies, or becomes incapacitated, the partnership may dissolve unless there are provisions in place to address such situations.
General Partnership:
Cost of Formation
Forming a general partnership is relatively simple and inexpensive. While it is advisable to have a written partnership agreement, it is not a legal requirement in many jurisdictions.
General Partnership:
Ability to raise capital
General partnerships may face challenges when it comes to raising capital. Partners rely on their personal resources, loans, or profits generated by the business for funding. It can be difficult to attract outside investors or secure large amounts of financing.
Sole Traders:
Decision making authority
The owner has complete control and authority over all decisions related to the business. They make all strategic, operational , and financial decisions
independently.
Sole Traders:
Ease of dissolution
Dissolving a sole trader business is relatively straightforward. The owner can choose to close the business at any time without having to navigate complex legal processes or obtain approval from other stakeholders.
Sole Traders:
Privacy of Financial information
Sole traders have a level of privacy in terms of financial information. Unlike corporations, they are not required to disclose detailed financial statements to the public.
Sole Traders:
Regulatory Compliance
The compliance requirements for sole traders are typically less stringent compared to larger business structures like corporations. They may have fewer reporting obligations and less regulatory oversight.
Sole Traders:
Flexibility and Autonomy
Sole traders enjoy a high degree of flexibility and autonomy in how they run their business. They have the freedom to make decisions based on their own preferences and objectives
General Partnership:
Decision making authority
In a general partnership, all partners typically have an equal say in the management and decision-making process, unless otherwise specified in the partnership agreement.
General Partnership:
Ease of dissolution
Dissolving a general partnership can be relatively straightforward, especially if there is a clear dissolution process outlined in the partnership agreement. However, it’s important to address the distribution of assets and liabilities among the partners.
General Partnership:
Regulatory Compliance
General partnerships may have fewer regulatory requirements compared to more complex business structures like corporations. However, they are still subject to certain legal and financial obligations.
General Partnership:
Profit sharing
Profits and losses are typically shared equally among the partners unless the partnership agreement specifies a different distribution method.