Partnership Formation

Partnership Business Structure Setup by Expert Accountants

Are you entering into a business venture and need advice on business partnership setup? Here at BBAS Accounting Services, we are highly experienced in new business setup, including companies, trust, sole traders, joint ventures and partnerships.

What is a Partnership?

A partnership is when two or more people start a business. Today there are more than two million businesses currently trading in Australia. If you, your friends, or business partners are converting your ideas into services or products, then careful consideration is needed to ensure that you setup the correct business structure which allows for growth and your ambitions.

Difference between a Partnership and Business Partners

We have all heard the word ‘partner’ used in various contexts. In the case or small businesses, a business partner means a person who is either:

  • Committed in a business venture with you; or
  • Operating a business partnership with you

The difference between these two is important. Individuals who commit to a business venture can be deemed as business partners and can choose from a variety of different structures to establish the business (eg. Company, trust or partnership structure). Whereas a partnership structure means that a legal relationship has been established between two or more people and as a result, parties will have fiduciary duties to each other.

Who is Responsible for What?

Under a partnership structure, each party is personally liable for all the business’ debts. A partnership, unlike a company, is not a separate legal entity. This means that under Australian law, the business and you are treated as the same entity. You are also severally and jointly liable for your business partner(s) debts. Therefore, if one of your business partners is not able to pay a debt that they have incurred on behalf of the business, you could be liable instead.

Advantages of a Partnership Structure?

A partnership structure has several advantages like low setup costs and small ongoing costs. Unlike company structures, directors’ duties won’t apply to you, but have fiduciary duties regarding your other partners.
It’s important that partnership structures are documented and therefore you need to have a partnership agreement in place. This agreement establishes the terms of your relationship and details how the partnership is to operate.

Reasons for Setting Up A Partnership

The most common reasons for setting up a partnership is:

  • As multiple people are investing in the business, large amount of capital can be raised.
  • When engaging a professional to establish a partnership, it can set-up in one day.
  • Partners contribute a variety of skills, ideas and expertise into the business.
  • Workloads can be shared among partners, allowing each partner to focus on their expertise.

Need Help With Your Partnership Business Structure?

If you need assistance in establishing a partnership structure, then the team at BBAS can handle this for you. Whether you are in Brisbane, or somewhere else in Australia, our highly experienced team is ready to help you. Our team is very approachable, and we would love to hear from you.

Contact Our Accountants

Did you want to speak to one of our experienced accountants, but don't have time to talk now? Simply submit your contact details and one of our team will be in touch with you shortly.
Does emailing us suit you better?
Email us today on reception@bbas.com.au.
Ready to chat now?
Call our team on (07) 3886 1652.

Monday to Thursday: 9:00AM to 5:00PM

Friday: 9:00AM to 3:00PM

Saturday: Closed

Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed