Most entrepreneurs, usually professionals, opt for a flexible and tax-efficient business structure. In the organised sector, a Limited Liability Partnership is the most flexible and tax-efficient business structure. This motivates a lot of new entrepreneurs to register a LLP in India.
Collectively, the perpetual succession, limited liability protection, ease of raising funds and varied tax benefits help in the increased popularity of LLPs in India. However, before you can start enjoying its benefits, it is important to understand the concept of LLPs, its registration process and compliance requirements. Let’s delve into the details!
Read Also: Fansly App
What is an LLP?
A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is a type of legally recognised business structure. What gives it uniqueness is the flexibility of a partnership firm mixed with the limited liability of a private company. Professional Services Providers such as Lawyers, Accountants, Consultants, etc. Apart from this, even most small startups and family-owned businesses are registered as LLPs.
LLP Compliance Requirements
LLPs are body corporates. Hence, it is registered through the government and is also governed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). Since it has a separate legal status, it is important for the LLP partners to adhere to these compliance requirements. The common LLP compliance requirements are listed below:
Registration and Incorporation
LLP is a body corporate, which means it has to undergo a registration process to get its separate legal existence. Hence, the first step in LLP compliance is to register LLP with the appropriate authorities. In India, you need to register your LLP with the ROC of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
The process of LLP registration includes multiple steps such as submitting the documents, LLP Agreement registration, reserving the unique name, submission of the Form FiLLIP, applying for the DIN, DSC and PAN, and TAN of the partners and firm, respectively.
Annual Filings
Each year, all LLPs that are operating in India need to furnish their annual returns and financial statements with the ROC. The reason behind this mandatory requirement is to keep transparency between the MCA and the business functioning under its registration. It also helps all the stakeholders of an LLP stay up to date about its activities and its tax and other regulatory obligations.
Audit and Accounting
Certain LLPs need to undergo mandatory annual audits. This depends on a lot of factors such as jurisdiction, and the annual turnover of the LLP, etc. This audit report needs to be duly signed by a qualified auditor. Besides, even if it is not mandatory, it is important to maintain a proper book of accounts and keep track of the finances of a company. This helps in tax compliance and also in managing the funds in a better way.
Compliance with Income Tax Laws
Income tax is applicable to each type of person or entity that earns income in the nation. Hence, LLPs also must comply with the varied tax laws of the nation. This includes the filing of income tax returns and paying the taxes on time, before the due date. Being aware of the tax laws and deductions etc, also helps in optimising the tax planning for an LLP in India.
Changes in LLP Structure
LLP compliance also includes the duty of the LLP partners to inform the authorities about major changes to the LLP. For example:
- Addition of partners;
- Removal of Partners;
- Change in registered office address; contact details, etc.
You must promptly notify the ROC of such changes. Failure to do so in a timely manner might lead to hefty penalties.
Compliance with Other Laws
The Act governing the operations of an LLP in India is the Limited Liability Partnership Act, of 2008. However, the LLPs registered in India also need to adhere to other industry-specific laws based on their business objectives. This includes various environmental laws, data protection laws, labour laws, and more. If the designated partners of an LLP fail to comply with these varied laws, it can create many legal complications for the LLP in the future. It might even lead to disputes that go as far as the dissolution of the LLP. Hence, for the success of a business, it is vital that the business owners remain proactive to the varied compliance requirements.
Tax Benefits of LLPs
Apart from the Limited Liability Protection, the major reason for people opting to choose LLP registration is the tax benefits of an LLP. Let’s discuss the different tax benefits of an LLP below:
Pass-Through Taxation
Pass-through taxation is applicable to partnership firms. However, in taxation, LLPs undergo a similar treatment as the partnerships, ie, the pass-through taxation. According to this, the LLP is not liable to pay the tax. However, the profit and loss of the LLP pass through to the individual partners, who are required to file their personal ITR. This helps the LLPs avoid double taxation.
Flexibility in Profit Sharing
In an LLP, the profit sharing is as per the LLP Agreement. Now, the ratio that goes in this LLP agreement is decided by the partners collectively. Hence, there is a huge scope for flexibility. This is beneficial in tax planning as it allows partners to allocate profits and losses and helps in minimising the overall tax liability.
Capital Gains Tax Benefits
When you sell the assets of an LLP and receive capital gains on it, you may qualify for favourable tax treatment. This reduces the amount of tax payable by the partners. This encourages investments and asset management in LLPs.
Deductible Business Expenses
While calculating their income tax, LLPs are allowed to deduct the legitimate business expenses from the total payable tax. This includes expenses such as rent, utility bills, salaries, other professional fees, etc. This helps in reducing the LLP’s overall tax liability by a significant amount.
Retirement and Pension Benefits
The partners of an LLP may at their discretion make retirement and pension plans for themselves as well as the LLP employees. Certain contributions in relation to this might also be tax deductible.
Lower Compliance Costs
As compared to other formal structures, such as Private limited companies, the compliance cost of LLPs is low. The reason behind this is the fact that they are not subjected to corporate tax filing. Hence, the lesser compliance requirements allow them to focus on growing the business.
Conclusion
Limited Liability Partnership firms are a popular, hybrid business model. Besides, there are so many benefits to it such as limited liability, LLP taxation, perpetual succession, and more. However, to enjoy these benefits, business owners also need to ensure that the compliance requirements of an LLP are met each year. You can hire online certified professionals to take care of it from the comfort of your home!