Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Registration

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) registration is a popular choice for startups and small businesses, blending the features of a partnership and a private company. One key advantage is that LLPs require no minimum capital, making them accessible to new entrepreneurs. The process begins with selecting a unique business name, which is checked for availability using the RUN-LLP service on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal.

To officially register, applicants must submit Form FiLLiP through the MCA. This form includes the LLP's proposed name, registered office address, and partner details. Each partner needs either a Director Identification Number (DIN) or Designated Partner Identification Number (DPIN), along with a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) to sign electronic documents. Required documents include identification and address proof for partners, as well as evidence of the registered office address.

After the business name is approved, the LLP agreement is drafted to define the roles, responsibilities, and profit-sharing ratios among partners. This agreement is a foundational document for the LLP’s internal structure. Upon verification, the MCA issues a Certificate of Incorporation, officially recognizing the LLP as a legal entity.

Once incorporated, the LLP must open a bank account in its name and obtain PAN and TAN for tax purposes. Additionally, businesses may choose to register as an MSME to access government benefits for small enterprises. LLPs offer flexibility in management, protect partners' personal assets, and have fewer compliance requirements than a private limited company, making them an attractive option for small enterprises seeking a scalable, low-compliance structure.

Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008

An Act to make provisions for the formation and regulation of limited liability partnerships and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto

Main Features of Limited Liability Partnership

Key features of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) include :

Legal Status of LLPs

LLPs have a separate legal entity status, distinct from their partners, which allows them to own assets, enter into contracts, and sue or be sued in their own name.

Flexibility in Management

LLPs offer flexibility in management structure and decision-making processes. Partners can choose to manage the LLP directly or appoint designated managers or committees for specific functions.

Liability Protection

LLP partners enjoy limited liability, meaning their personal assets are protected from the debts and liabilities of the LLP. Each partner is only liable to the extent of their agreed contribution to the LLP.

Minimal Compliance Requirements

Compared to companies, LLPs have fewer compliance requirements. They are not required to hold annual general meetings (AGMs) or maintain extensive statutory records, simplifying administrative burdens.

Taxation Benefits

LLPs are taxed as partnerships, with profits distributed to partners exempt at the individual level. This avoids the double taxation that occurs with corporate entities, where both the company and shareholders are taxed.

Perpetual Succession

LLPs have perpetual succession, meaning the LLP continues to exist even if partners change due to retirement, resignation, or death. The LLP's existence is not affected by changes in its membership.

Ease of Transferability

LLP interests can be easily transferred, subject to the terms of the LLP agreement. This allows for changes in ownership and investment without disrupting the LLP's operations.

Benefits of LLP Registration

Benefits of LLP registration include limited liability protection, flexibility in management, tax advantages, and ease of compliance with regulatory requirements. Here are few benefits:

Limited Liability

LLP registration offers partners limited liability of the partners, ensuring that personal assets are safeguarded from business liabilities and debts.

Separate Legal Entity

An LLP has its own legal existence, allowing it to enter into contracts, acquire assets, and sue or be sued in its own name, separate from its partners. It is best for startups.

Flexible Management Structure

LLPs provide flexibility in structuring management and operations based on the LLP agreement, allowing partners to define roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes.

Minimal Compliance Requirements

LLPs have fewer compliance obligations compared to companies, reducing administrative burdens and costs. They are exempt from holding annual general meetings (AGMs) and have simplified audit requirements.

Tax Efficiency

LLPs are taxed as partnerships, with profits distributed to partners exempt at their individual tax rates. This avoids double taxation on corporate profits and dividends.

Perpetual Succession

LLPs enjoy perpetual succession, ensuring continuity despite changes in partner composition due to retirement, resignation, or death.

Easy Transferability of Ownership

LLP interests can be transferred easily as per the terms of the LLP agreement, facilitating changes in ownership and investment without affecting the LLP's operations.

Credibility and Trust

Registration as an LLP enhances credibility and trust among stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, and investors, due to its recognized legal status and limited liability structure.

Access to Funding

LLP registration improves access to finance and funding opportunities, including bank loans, venture capital, and government schemes, enhancing growth prospects.

Global Recognition

LLPs are recognized internationally, facilitating global expansion and collaborations with foreign entities under bilateral and multilateral agreements.

LLP Incorporation Checklist

LLP Incorporation Checklist outlines all the crucial information and process requirements that have to be followed to register an LLP. Here is a complete outline for the same:-

Pre-Filing Requirements

Before filing for LLP incorporation, ensure the following requirements are met:

• Name Reservation: Choose a unique name for the LLP and reserve it with the Registrar of Companies (ROC). Name approval is crucial for registration of LLP.

• Partnership Agreement: Draft an LLP agreement detailing roles, responsibilities, profit-sharing, and decision-making processes among partners.

• Partner Identification: Obtain Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) for all partners involved in the LLP.

• Registered Office: Provide proof of registered office address for the LLP.

Filing Processs

Follow these steps to file for LLP incorporation:

• Document Preparation: Prepare necessary documents including LLP agreement, identity proofs, address proofs, and consent of partners.

• Form Submission: Fill and submit Fillip to the ROC along with the required documents and fees.

• Verification: ROC verifies documents and processes the application for LLP incorporation.

• Certificate Issuance: Upon approval, ROC issues the Certificate of Incorporation, establishing the legal existence of the LLP.

Post-Filing Compliance

After  LLP incorporation, ensure compliance with ongoing requirements:

• LLP Agreement Registration: Register the LLP agreement with the ROC within 30 days of incorporation.

• PAN and TAN Application: Apply for Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) for the LLP.

• Annual Compliance: File annual returns and maintain financial records as per LLP Act requirements.

• Changes in LLP: Notify ROC of any changes in partners, addresses, or LLP agreements through prescribed forms i.e FORM-5.

Documents Required for LLP Registration in India

To register a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) in India, the following documents are typically required:

Identity Proof of Partners:

• PAN Card (Indian Nationals) or Passport (Foreign Nationals)

• Aadhaar Card or Voter ID Card

• Passport-sized photograph

Address Proof of Partners:

• Aadhar Card or Voter ID Card

• Passport or Driving License

• Utility bills (electricity bill, water bill, gas bill or telephone bill) not more than 2 months old

Registered Office Proof:

• Rent agreement or lease deed (if rented)

• Property tax receipt or ownership deed (if owned)

• NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the landlord (if rented)

Partnership Agreement (LLP Agreement):

• Drafted LLP agreement specifying roles, responsibilities, profit-sharing, and decision-making processes among partners.

Digital Signature Certificates (DSC):

• DSC of all partners applying for LLP registration.

Consent of Partners:

• Consent of each partner to act as partners of the LLP in Form 9.

Form for LLP Registration:

• Fillip: Application for the incorporation of LLP, along with details of partners, registered office address, LLP agreement, etc.

Other Optional Documents (if applicable):

• Proof of professional qualification (in case of designated partners being professionals)

• Incorporation Certificate or registration (in case of corporate partners)

trueconsultant24's LLP Registration Process

At trueconsultant24, we streamline the LLP registration process to ensure simplicity and efficiency for our clients. Here's how our LLP registration process typically unfolds:

• Step 1: Consultation and Planning
  
  Our expert consultants discuss your business requirements and objectives to determine the most suitable Business Structure.
• Step 2: Name Reservation
  
  We conduct a thorough name availability search and reserve a unique name of the LLP that complies with regulatory guidelines. Our team will file the RUN-LLP for the same.
• Step 3: Document Preparation
  
  Our team assists in drafting the LLP agreement, outlining partner roles, profit-sharing, and operational procedures according to your specifications.
• Step 4: Digital Signature Certificates (DSC)
  
  We facilitate the issuance of Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) for all partners involved in the LLP.
• Step 5: Filing with Registrar of Companies (ROC)
  
  We prepare and file Fillip (LLP incorporation application) and other necessary documents with the ROC on your behalf.
• Step 6: Verification and Approval
  
  Our experts liaise with the ROC to verify the submitted documents and ensure compliance with LLP Act requirements.
• Step 7: Certificate of Incorporation
  
  Upon approval of company registration, we obtain the Incorporation documents from the ROC, establishing the legal existence of your LLP.
• Step 8: Post-Incorporation Compliance
  
  We assist in obtaining PAN and TAN for your LLP (if not applied while filing form-3) , registering the LLP agreement, and ensuring ongoing compliance with regulatory filings.
• Step 9: Additional Services
  
  trueconsultant24 provides ongoing support for annual compliance, trademark registration, changes in proposed LLP structure, and other legal requirements to help you manage and grow your business smoothly.

Annual Filings for Limited Liability Partnership

Financial Statements

LLPs are required to prepare and file financial statements annually. The financial statements include:

• Statement of Accounts: Includes Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss Account, and Cash Flow Statement.

• Statement of Solvency: Filed by LLPs with a turnover exceeding Rs. 40 lakhs or capital contribution exceeding Rs. 25 lakhs.

Annual Returns

LLPs must file annual returns with the Registrar of Companies (ROC). The annual return includes details such as:

• Statement of Account: Filed with the ROC within 30 days from the end of six months of the financial year (Form-8)

• Annual Return Form: Filed within 60 days from the closure of the financial year  (FORM-11).

Audit Requirements (if applicable)

Audit requirements for LLPs depend on their turnover and capital contribution:

• Audit Requirement: LLPs with a turnover exceeding Rs. 40 lakhs or capital contribution exceeding Rs. 25 lakhs are required to get their accounts audited by a qualified Chartered Accountant.

LLP Compliance Calendar

Why True Consultants for LLP registration :-

• Expert Guidance: A team of specialists ensures all legal requirements are met.

• Comprehensive Services: They handle everything from name reservation to drafting the LLP agreement.

• Time Efficiency: Established processes expedite the registration process.

• Cost-Effective Solutions: Competitive pricing provides value without compromising quality.

• Personalized Support: Tailored advice to meet specific business needs.

• Post-Registration Assistance: Ongoing compliance support for annual filings and regulations.

• Minimized Errors: Professional handling reduces the risk of complications.

• Transparency: Clear communication about fees and processes.

By choosing True Consultants, businesses can ensure a smooth and efficient LLP registration experience while focusing on their core operations.