The Double-Edged Sword of Business Partnerships: Pros and Cons Explained

As an attorney specializing in business law, I’ve advised numerous clients on the right type of business structure to adopt. While there are various options such as sole proprietorships, LLCs, and corporations, the concept of a business partnership often attracts considerable attention. Partnerships seem straightforward and economical, but like any business structure, they come with their own set of advantages and drawbacks. This article aims to demystify business partnerships, weighing their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

What Is a Business Partnership?

A business partnership is an arrangement where two or more individuals manage and operate a business according to the terms and objectives set out in a Partnership Deed. The partnership could be between two individuals, other businesses, or even governments. The partnership is not a separate legal entity, and its income is distributed among the partners who then report it on their tax returns.

Pros of a Business Partnership

Easier Formation

Starting a partnership is generally easier than starting a corporation. There are fewer forms to file, and there are usually lower start-up costs. The ease of formation is often one of the key factors that make partnerships appealing.

Shared Responsibility

A partnership allows the business owners to share the responsibility for the company’s operations, financial obligations, and decisions. This can make running the business less stressful compared to sole proprietorships, where the sole owner is responsible for every aspect of the business.

Profit Sharing

In partnerships, all profits earned from the business will be shared among the partners in an agreed-upon percentage. This allows for potentially higher earnings, as multiple people are contributing to the business operations.

Diverse Skill Sets

Partnerships often bring together individuals with varied expertise, industry knowledge, and skills. This can be invaluable for making well-rounded decisions and driving the company towards success.

Cons of a Business Partnership

Unlimited Liability

One of the most significant drawbacks of a partnership is the unlimited liability it confers upon its partners. Unlike corporations where the business is a separate legal entity, in a partnership, each partner is personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. This means your assets could be seized to pay off business debts.

Conflict in Decision-Making

With multiple individuals involved, partnerships often suffer from decision-making conflicts. If the partners do not agree on a business strategy or course of action, this can lead to delays, inefficiencies, or even the dissolution of the business.

Shared Profits

While sharing profits can be an advantage, it can also be a drawback. If there are disagreements about the reinvestment of profits or distribution among the partners, this can lead to conflict and financial instability.

The Challenge of Accidental Partnerships

An often overlooked issue is the concept of “accidental partnerships.” Without a written agreement, if you engage in a business activity with another individual and share profits or losses, you could be classified as a partnership under the law, subjecting you to all the liabilities that come with it.

Conclusion: Navigating the Partnership Waters Carefully

Partnerships can be an excellent choice for certain types of businesses and specific situations. However, it is crucial to understand the legal implications and challenges that come with this business structure. Consulting an attorney to draft a comprehensive Partnership Deed and discussing the details can go a long way in mitigating risks.

For those keen on taking the path of partnerships, be aware of both the roses and the thorns that come with this form of business entity. Armed with information and proper legal advice, you’ll be better positioned to make the right choice for your entrepreneurial journey.

If you have more questions or need personalized legal assistance in choosing the right business structure, feel free to reach out for a consultation.

Video Transcript

What Is a Partnership?

Quite simply, it is the type of business you should avoid at all costs, and I will explain why. A partnership is one of the worst possible business entities out there. Types of businesses: You have a sole proprietorship, an LLC, or a corporation. Then, between corporations, you can be taxed as a C corporation, an S corporation, a public benefit corporation, or a nonprofit corporation. You can have a public-benefit LLC or a nonprofit LLC. But one of the worst types of entities out there is a partnership. I have only seen one time in all of my years of practicing as an attorney when I recommended a partnership in a particular scenario.

The Problem with Partnerships: Personal Liability

And it was an extremely rare circumstance that isn’t even worth discussing here because it was so unique to the particular situation. Alright, so what is wrong with a partnership? One simple reason: personal liability. In a corporation, you have limited liability between the corporation and the owner. In an LLC, it is built right into the name of the limited liability company. The money you invest in the LLC is at risk, but as an owner, you don’t have any liability.

Hypothetical Example: Data Breach Scenario

But here is the problem with a partnership: merely by being a partner, you are not just responsible for the money you put into the business. You are responsible for all business debts. So I will give you an example.

The Risk of Accidental Partnerships

Here is the second thing to keep in mind: Partnerships don’t have to be registered. That means you can have an accidental partnership. In other words, if you are acting as though you are a partner with somebody by contributing resources towards a common goal that has the potential to produce profits, and those profits would be somehow divided between the two of you, that is a partnership.

Legal Protections: Independent Contractor Agreements

This is not a partnership. Is that always enough? In other words, could you have a contract with somebody else that is called an independent contractor relationship when, in actuality, you are just operating as partners? Courts can set aside independent contractor agreements if they are a ruse and if they do not reflect the relationship between the parties.

Summary: Why You Should Avoid Partnerships

To summarize: Partnerships are the worst possible business type because they involve you having personal liability, not just for what you put into the business but for everything you own. Second, you can have an accidental partnership by simply operating as a partner with somebody else in a joint effort, even though you never actually intended to create a partnership. That is called an accidental partnership. And the best way to avoid that is through an independent contractor agreement or some other agreement that clarifies.

Conclusion

If you are the type of person who is interested in avoiding legal problems by growing a great, healthy company, with a strong team where you are managing businesses and the people in your company or companies, you are welcome to get our free resource.

This is all part of this YouTube channel, to help business owners avoid problems, to save money on legal fees. To avoid the painful distractions that lawsuits or government investigations can bring. The last thing you want to be is having a target on your back for lawsuits, government audits, or investigations.