{"id":7281,"date":"2020-02-22T16:03:41","date_gmt":"2020-02-22T16:03:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/?p=7281"},"modified":"2024-05-17T15:41:06","modified_gmt":"2024-05-17T14:41:06","slug":"benefits-of-forming-limited-liability-partnership","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/benefits-of-forming-limited-liability-partnership\/","title":{"rendered":"The benefits of forming a limited liability partnership"},"content":{"rendered":"
A limited liability partnership (LLP) is a business structure which combines some of the aspects of partnerships with those of limited liability companies. It has been possible to set up an LLP in the UK since the Limited Liability Partnership Act 2000<\/a> came into force in 2001.<\/p>\n Our LLP Package including a free draft LLP Agreement<\/span><\/a>\n \n The LLP is the most popular incorporated business structure among industry professionals such as accountants and solicitors, who most often operate as partnerships.<\/p>\n Limited liability partnerships bring together some of the advantages associated with both regular partnerships and limited companies. This type of business entity combines the flexibility of partnerships and the financial protections of companies. Some of the specific benefits of forming an LLP include:<\/p>\n Before we look at the differences between LLPs and limited liability companies, let\u2019s first consider the similarities:<\/p>\n However, as well as many similarities, there are some crucial differences:<\/p>\n All limited liability partnerships, including those which are dormant or not trading, are legally required to submit a confirmation statement\u2019 (formerly known as an annual return) each and every year to Companies House. The confirmation statement (form LL CS01<\/a>) is essentially used to confirm that the LLP’s registered details are up to date. This can either be done online or by using a paper form (although the latter costs \u00a362 to file).<\/p>\n Members of every LLP must prepare annual accounts for each financial year. These should include:<\/p>\n Unless the LLP is exempt from audit, accounts must generally be accompanied by an auditors\u2019 report stating the name of the auditor and signed and dated by them.<\/p>\n A Central London Registered Office Address - \u00a339.00<\/span><\/a>\n \n A copy of these annual accounts must be sent to:<\/p>\n Additionally, they must be filed with Companies House (and, in some instances, with other regulatory bodies).<\/p>\n Note: Small LLPs may prepare an abridged version of their accounts. They can also usually claim exemption from audit requirements. For more information, see <\/em>GOV.UK<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n A limited liability partnership can be incorporated with a minimum of two members. These members can either be individuals (generally called partners) or limited companies (known as corporate members). To set up the LLP, the following steps must be taken:<\/p>\n The first thing to do is to choose a name. The rules around business names for LLPs are broadly similar to those for limited companies. Names should not be too similar to other registered company names – and they should not contain offensive or sensitive words. Names for LLPs must end in \u2018Limited Liability Partnership\u2019 or \u2018LLP\u2019 (Welsh equivalents can be used for LLPs registered in Wales).<\/p>\n A registered address must be chosen for official purposes. This must be a physical mailing address (not just a PO Box number) and it must be in the same country as that in which the LLP is registered (e.g. a Scottish registered LLP must have a Scottish registered address). Although home addresses are acceptable, it should be noted that these will be publicly available on Companies House public register.<\/p>\n A guide to the different types of partnerships<\/span><\/a>\n \n LLPs must be registered with Companies House, in the same way as limited companies. However, registration of a limited liability partnership cannot currently be done online. It can be done by post (using form LL IN01<\/a>) at a cost of \u00a350.00, using third-party software<\/a> or via a formation agent (e.g. Quality Company Formations can register an LLP for \u00a369.99 plus VAT which is cheaper than the cost of registering it yourself by post – see further information below).<\/p>\n There must be at least two \u2018designated\u2019 members at all times. However, there is a choice between (i) making all members designated by default or (ii) only having certain named members classed as \u2018designated\u2019 (this is a choice that can be changed using form LL DE01<\/a>). Although all members have certain duties set out in the LLP Agreement (see below), designated members have extra legal responsibilities including:<\/p>\n Although it\u2019s not required, limited liability partnerships should generally create a Members\u2019 Agreement, also known as an LLP Agreement. LLP Agreements outline how the business is run and organised, including:<\/p>\n The Members\u2019 Agreement should be set up at the outset to avoid any potential disputes further down the line, and to ensure that everyone understands their rights and responsibilities. A solicitor can help to prepare an LLP Agreement – or a draft agreement can be obtained from Quality Company Formations (see below).<\/p>\n For more information on setting up and running an LLP, see GOV.UK<\/a>.<\/p>\n Quality Company Formations can help you set up a limited liability partnership quickly and easily.<\/p>\nThe benefits of forming a limited liability partnership<\/h3>\n
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How does an LLP differ from a limited company?<\/h3>\n
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What are the filing requirements of an LLP?<\/h3>\n
Confirmation statement (LL CSO1)<\/h4>\n
Annual Accounts<\/h4>\n
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How do you form a limited liability partnership?<\/h3>\n
Choosing a name<\/h4>\n
Registered address<\/h4>\n
Registering an LLP<\/h4>\n
Designated members<\/h4>\n
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LLP Agreement<\/h4>\n
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Our LLP Package<\/h3>\n