- Must have 2 or more people or entities
- Unlimited liability
- Limited partners have limited liability
- Limited partnership must have 1 general partner to accept liability
- If more than 50% of the partnership changes, you have to start a new partnership
- More legal costs than sole proprietorship
- Tailored Partnership Agreement
- Income & loss split between partners
- Equity to be contributed by partners
- Termination of partner
- Death of partner
- Non-compete issues
- Termination of the partnership
- “Flow-through” or “Pass-through” entity
- Does not pay income taxes directly
- Partners pay income taxes on partnership income
- Certain expenses are not deductible by partnership & must be reported separately on the partner tax return:
- Health insurance
- Charitable deductions
- Files a Form 1065
- Return due March 15th or April 15th depending on tax year
- Extension until September 15th
- Provides Schedule K-1 to each partner
- Income & Loss allocation can be different
- Partners must have Schedule K-1 to prepare their tax returns
- Easier to withdraw assets with less tax consequences