The document provides an overview of the Limited Liability Partnership Act of India. It discusses the history and introduction of LLPs in India, key chapters and sections of the Act, important definitions, requirements for incorporation as an LLP, roles and liabilities of partners and designated partners, and other operational aspects of LLPs. The key points are that the Act provides for a flexible business structure that combines benefits of partnership and private limited companies, with LLPs having a separate legal identity and partners having limited liability.
2. Indian history
• 2003: Naresh Chandra Committee Report highlighted need for LLPs &
suggested application of LLPs to Service industry, Chartered Accountants,
Lawyers, Architects, etc.
• 2005: J J Irani Expert Committee on Company Law recommended introduction
of LLPs-suggested small enterprises be included in scope of LLP & there should
be a separate LLP Act
• 2006: LLP Bill introduced in Parliament
• 2007: Bill referred to Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) for examination
• 2008: Lok Sabha passes New LLP Bill as revised by PSC
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
3. Indian history
• 2009: LLP Act, 2008 receives presidential assent & is published in Official
Gazette
• 2009: LLP Act, 2008 gets notified w.e.f March 31st, 2009
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
4. Different Chapters of the Act
• Chapter I-Preliminary (Ss. 1 & 2)
• Chapter II-Nature of LLP (Ss. 3-10)
• Chapter III-Incorporation & Incidental Matters (Ss. 11-21)
• Chapter IV-Partners & their Relations (Ss. 22-25)
• Chapter V-Extent & Limitation of Liability of LLP & Partners
(Ss. 26-31)
• Chapter VI-Contributions (Ss. 32 & 33)
• Chapter VII-Financial Disclosures (Ss. 34-41)
• Chapter VIII-Assignment & Transfer of Partnership Rights (S.
42)
• Chapter IX-Investigation (Ss. 43-54)
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
5. Different Chapters of the Act
• Chapter X-Conversion to LLP (Ss. 55-58)
• Chapter XI-Foreign Limited Liability Partnerships (S. 59)
• Chapter XII-Compromise, Arrangement or Reconstruction of LLPs
(Ss. 60-62)
• Chapter XIII-Winding Up & Dissolution (not notified as on date)
(Ss. 63-65)
• Chapter XIV-Miscellaneous Provisions (Ss. 66-81)
• First Schedule-Mutual Rights & Liabilities of Partners & LLP
• Second Schedule-Conversion of Partnership Firm to LLP
• Third Schedule-Conversion of Private Company to LLP
• Fourth Schedule-Conversion of Unlisted Public Company to LLP
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
6. Preliminary (Ch. I)
• Short title, extent & commencement
This Act may be called the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008
It extends to the whole of India
All sections have been notified as on March 31st, 2009, vide notification no. S.O.
891(E), except-
3 Clauses (c) and (u) of sub-section (1) of S. 2-Appellate Tribunal & Tribunal
3 Extent of applicability of Section 31 in respect of ‘Tribunal’
3 S. 51-Application by Central Government for Winding-up of LLP
3 Ch. X-Conversion to LLPs [Notified vide Notification no. S.O. 1323(E) dated May
22nd, 2009]
3 Ch. XIII-Winding Up of LLPs
3 S. 72-Jurisdiction of Tribunal & Appellate Tribunal
3 Clauses (b), pertaining to its applicability to Ss. 51, 63 & 64; & (c) of S. 81
3 Second, Third & Fourth Schedule-Pertaining to Conversion of Firms & Companies
(except Listed Companies) to LLPs [Notified vide Notification no. S.O. 1323(E)
dated May 22nd, 2009]
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
7. Preliminary (Ch. I)
Important Definitions:
• Body Corporate [S. 2 (1) (d)]:
‘means a company defined in section 3 of the Companies Act, 1956 and includes-
(i) a limited liability partnership registered under this Act;
(ii) a limited liability partnership incorporated outside India; and
(iii) a company incorporated outside India,
but does not include-
(i) a corporation sole;
(ii) a co-operative society registered under any law for the time being in force;
and
(iii) any other body corporate (not being a company as defined in
section 3 of the Companies Act, 1956 or a limited liability partnership as defined in
this Act), which the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette,
specify in this behalf’
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
8. Preliminary (Ch. I)
• Business [S. 2 (1) (e)]:
‘includes every trade, profession, service and occupation’
• Financial Year [S. 2 (1) (l)]:
‘in relation to limited liability partnerships, means the period from
the 1st day of April of a year to the 31st day of March of the
following year:
Provided that in case of a limited liability partnership incorporated
after the 30th day of September of a year, the financial year may
end on the 31st day of march of the year next following that year’
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
9. Preliminary (Ch. I)
• Limited Liability Partnership Agreement [S. 2 (1) (o)]:
‘means any written agreement between the partners of the limited
liability partnership or between the limited liability partnership and
its partners which determines the mutual rights and duties of the
partners and their rights and duties in relation to that limited liability
partnership’
• Registrar [S. 2 (1) (s)]:
‘means a Registrar, or an Additional, a Joint, a Deputy or an
Assistant Registrar, having the duty of registering companies under
the Companies Act, 1956’
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
10. Preliminary (Ch. I)
• S. 2 (2):
‘Words and expressions used and not defined in this Act defined in
the Companies Act, 1956 shall have the meanings respectively
assigned to them in that Act’
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
11. Nature of Limited Liability Partnership (Ch. II)
• LLP is body corporate formed & incorporated under LLP Act
[S. 3 (1)]
• LLP is legal entity separate from its partners [S. 3 (1)]
• LLP has perpetual succession [S. 3 (2)]
• Existence, Rights & Liabilities of LLP not affected by change in
partners [S. 3 (3)]
• Indian Partnership Act, 1932 does not apply to LLPs [S. 4]
• Partners
Individuals / Body Corporate can be partners [S. 5]
Minimum two partners [S. 6 (1)]
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
12. Nature of Limited Liability Partnership (Ch. II)
• Designated Partners (DP) [S. 7 (1)]
At least two DPs
Only Individuals can be DPs
At least one resident in India
Every DP to obtain a Designated Partner Identification No. (DPIN)
• Responsibilities & Liabilities of DPs [S. 8]
Responsible for doing all acts, matters & things required to be
done by LLP w.r.t compliance of LLP Act including filing of any
document, return, statement & like report under LLP Act & as
specified in LLP Agreement
Liable to all penalties imposed on LLP for any contravention of
above
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
13. Nature of Limited Liability Partnership (Ch. II)
• Changes in DPs [S. 9]
LLP to appoint DP within 30 days of vacancy
If no DP is appointed or if, at any time, there is only 1 DP, each
partner shall be deemed to be a DP
• Penalty for Contravention [S. 10]
For S. 7 (1): LLP & its every partner shall be fined > Rs. 10,000
(Maximum Rs. 5 Lacs)
For Ss. 7 (4) & (5), 8 & 9: LLP & its every partner shall be fined >
Rs. 10,000 (Maximum Rs. 1 Lac)
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
14. Nature of Limited Liability Partnership (Ch. II)
• Disqualifications of DPs
• R. 9 (1): No person can be DP of LLP, if-
He is adjudged as insolvent within preceding 5 years
He has suspended payment to his creditors & not made any
composition with them within preceding 5 years
He is convicted by Court for any offence including moral
turpitude & sentenced to imprisonment not less than 6 months
He is convicted by Court for offence under Section 30 of LLP Act
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
15. Incorporation & Incidental Matters (Ch. III)
• Incorporation Document [S. 11]
Is among Prime Documents of LLP
Must be submitted to registrar in ‘Form-2’ [R. 11]
S. 11 (2) requires particular information to be contained in Incorporation
Document-
3 Name of LLP
3 Proposed Business of LLP
3 Address of Registered Office (RO)
3 Names & Addresses of Partners
3 Names & Addresses of DPs
3 Other Information as may be prescribed
• RO shall be place of all correspondence for LLP [S. 13 (1)]
On Contravening provisions relating to RO, LLP & its every partner shall be
punishable with fine upto Rs. 25,000 but not less than Rs. 2,000 [S. 13 (4)]
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
16. Incorporation & Incidental Matters (Ch. III)
• Effect of Registration [S. 14]: LLP will be able to, in its own name-
Sue & be sued
Acquire, hold & develop or dispose off any property
Have common seal
Do & suffer such other acts & things as bodies corporate may lawfully
do or suffer
• Name of LLP must end with words ‘Limited Liability Partnership’ or
acronym ‘LLP’ [S. 15 (1)]
• Change in name of LLP [S. 17]
• Penalty for improper use of words ‘Limited Liability Partnership’ or
‘LLP’ [S. 20]
Punishable with fine of Rs. 50,000 but may extend upto Rs. 5 Lacs
• Publication of name, address of RO, Registration No. & Statement of
limited liability [S. 21]
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
17. Incorporation & Incidental Matters (Ch. III)
• Procedure for formation of LLP:
Check availability of name on site ‘llp.gov.in’
Acquire Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Acquire DPIN by applying in prescribed ‘Form-7’
Apply for Reservation of Name in prescribed ‘Form-1’
Apply for Incorporation Document in prescribed ‘Form-2’
Alongwith Incorporation Document, submit application for-
3 Information regarding LLP Agreement in ‘Form-3’
3 Appointment of Persons and their consent as such to act as
Partners / DPs in ‘Form-4’ & ‘Form-9’, respectively
Receive Form-2 duly signed by Registrar & certificate from registrar
regarding incorporation, within 14 days of filing such documents
LLP is ready to function
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
19. Partners & their Relations (Ch. IV)
• Eligibility to be partner [S. 22]
Persons who subscribe to Incorporation Document
By LLP Agreement
• Relationship of partners [S. 23]
Rights & duties of partners with other partners & with LLP governed by LLP
Agreement
In absence of any agreement, principles set out in First Schedule will apply
• Cessation of Partnership Interest
In accordance with LLP Agreement [S. 24 (1)]
By resignation notice in writing of 30 days [S. 24 (1)]
On death, dissolution of LLP, or if he is of unsound mind or insolvent as
declared by court [S. 24 (2)]
• Liability of Outgoing Partner [S. 24 (4)]
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
20. Partners & their Relations (Ch. IV)
• Registration of changes in partners / details of partners to be
filed in prescribed time & in prescribed ‘Form-6’ [R. 22 (1)]
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
21. First Schedule (Ch. IV)
Relates to mutual rights & duties between partners & LLP & its partners absence of
Agreement on such matters
•Partners of LLP entitled to share equally in capital & profits / losses
•Partners shall be indemnified by LLP in respect of payments made & liabilities
incurred by him-
In ordinary & proper conduct of business of LLP
In anything necessarily done for Preservation of business or property of LLP
•LLP shall be indemnified by Partners for any loss caused by his fraud in conduct of
business of LLP
•Partners may participate in management of LLP
•Partners shall not be entitled to any remuneration for acting in business or
management of LLP
•No partner may be introduced without consent of all other partners
•Any ordinary matter regarding LLP may be decided by resolution passed by majority
of partners
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
22. First Schedule (Ch. IV)
• However, change in nature of business may be decided only by consent of all
partners
• Every decision taken by LLP be recorded in minutes within 30 days of such
decision
• Minute Book be maintained & kept at RO of LLP
• Partners must render true accounts & full information of all things affecting LLP to
any partner or his legal representative
• Partners to account for & pay over all profits earned from business of similar
nature & competing with LLP, to LLP if there is no consent from LLP in that respect
• Partners to account to LLP for any benefit derived by him without LLP’s consent,
from any transaction concerning LLP or from use of name, property or business
connection of LLP
• No partner may be expelled by a majority unless there is an express power
conferred by LLP Agreement to do so
• All disputes which cannot be resolved by LLP Agreement can be referred to for
arbitration as per Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
23. Liability of LLP & Partners (Ch. V)
ust like partnership, every partner is an agent; not of other
partners but of LLP [S. 26]
LP not bound by unauthorized acts of partners in dealing with
person if that person knows that the partner had no authority or
did not know him to be partner of LLP [S. 27 (1)]
LP liable in respect of wrongful acts or omissions of partners in
course of its business or with its authority [S. 27 (2)]
bligation of LLP is solely an obligation of LLP & shall be met out of
property of LLP [S. 27 (3) & (4)]
artners not personally liable [S. 28 (1)]
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
24. Liability of LLP & Partners (Ch. V)
• Unlimited Liability in case of fraud [S. 30]
If fraud done with knowledge / authority of LLP, LLP’s & partner’s
liability will be unlimited. LLP’s liability = Partner’s liability
Otherwise, LLP will not be liable
Imprisonment for 2 years & fine upto Rs. 5 Lacs
• Whistle Blowing [S. 31]
Court / Tribunal may reduce penalty if partner / employee assists
Court / Tribunal
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
25. Contributions (Ch. VI)
• Form of Contribution in any manner- in cash or in kind [S. 32 (1)]
• Accounting & Disclosure of Contribution must also involve the
nature & amount of Contribution [S. 32 (2) & R. 23 (1)]
• R. 23 (2): Contribution in kind must be valued by practicing CA or
CWA or approved valuer from panel maintained by Central
Government
• Obligation to Contribute as per LLP Agreement [S. 33 (1)]
• Creditor may enforce Original Obligation against partner in case if
he was unaware of compromise between partners [S. 33 (2)]
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
26. Financial Disclosures (Ch. VII)
aintain proper books of accounts as prescribed in R. 24-
Must disclose all sums of money expended & received & matters pertaining thereto
Must record all assets & liabilities of LLP
State all purchases & sales & record all information regarding inventories
Other particulars which partners may decide
ash or Accrual; Double-Entry System of Accounting [S. 34 (1)]
aintain books at RO for period of 8 years as per R. 24 (3)
repare ‘Statement of Accounts & Solvency’ in prescribed ‘Form-8’ within 6 months from
end of FY & must be signed by DPs [S. 34 (2)]
ust be filed with ROC alongwith prescribed fees
udit as per prescribed rules [R. 24 (8)]
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
27. Assignment & Transfer of Partnership Rights (Ch. VII)
ight of partner to share profits is transferable / assignable (in
whole or in part) [S. 42 (1)]
ransfer does not imply that transferor / assignor has ceased to be
partner [S. 42 (2)]
ikewise, transferee / assignee does not have right to participate in
management [S. 42 (3)]
ransferee / assignee has no right to obtain any information of
transactions of LLP [S. 42 (3)]
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
28. Investigation (Ch. IX)
• [S. 43 (1) & (3)]: Central Government (CG) may appoint one or more inspector(s) to
investigate into affairs of LLP & report thereon, if-
Not less than 1/5 th of partners apply for investigation on payment of prescribed
security to Central Government
LLP applies for investigation
CG is of opinion that-
3 Business of LLP is with intent to defraud its Creditors, Partners or any other
Person
3 Affairs of LLP are not being conducted in accordance with provisions of this Act
3 On receipt of Report of Registrar or any other Regulatory Agency, there exist
sufficient reasons that affairs of LLP ought to be investigated
• Inspector cannot be partnership firm, body corporate or other association [S. 45]
• Investigator has power to investigate in matters of any entity which has been
associated, or is associated, to LLP unless it is irrelevant to do so [S. 46 (1)]
Investigator must obtain prior approval of CG [S. 46 (2)]
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
29. Investigation (Ch. IX)
• [S. 47 (1)]: It shall be duty of DPs & Partners to-
Preserve & produce before investigator all documents relating to LLP
or, as case may be, any other entity
Give assistance to investigator in connection to investigation
• Investigator has power to keep such documents in custody upto 30
days [S. 47 (3)]
• Failure to comply with requirements as above will result in punishment
of person in default with fine upto Rs. 25,000 but not less than Rs.
2,000 & further fine of upto Rs. 500 but not less than Rs. 50 for
everyday of default [S. 47 (5)]
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
30. Investigation (Ch. IX)
• [S. 48]: Investigator has power to seize documents relating to LLP, if he
believes that such documents may be-
Destroyed
Mutilated
Altered
Falsified or
Secreted
• Investigator shall make reports (Interim & Final) to CG & such report
such act as evidence in any legal proceeding [S. 49 & 54]
• Application by CG for Winding-up of LLP pursuant to investigation [S.
51]
• Expenses of Investigation [S. 53]
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
31. Conversion of Firm to LLP (Ch. X)
This part is governed by Section 55 & Second Schedule & is notified vide
notification no. S.O. 1323(E) w.e.f May 31st, 2009
•All partners of LLP must be partners of original firm & no one else
•On such conversion-
All assets & liabilities of firm would get vested in LLP
Firm stands dissolved
Will be removed from records of Registrar of Firms
Every partner will continue to be personally liable jointly & severally with LLP,
for liabilities prior to conversion / arising out of contract entered prior to
conversion
Partner to be indemnified by LLP in respect of such liability subject to
anything contrary in LLP Agreement
•Every official correspondence of LLP for 1 year, must bear a statement that it was,
from the date of registration converted from a firm into an LLP alongwith name &
registration, if applicable, of firm from which it was converted
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
32. Conversion of Firm to LLP (Ch. X)
• Partnership Firm proposing to convert to LLP must apply to ROC in
prescribed ‘Form-17 (Part A)’ alongwith Statement of Partners in
‘Form-17 (Part B)’ [R. 38 (1)]
• ROC must issue certificate of registration in ‘Form-19’ [R. 32 (1)]
• Upon receipt of ‘Form-19’, LLP must apply, within 15 days of
registration, to Registrar of Firms to strike-out name of Firm in
prescribed ‘Form-14’ [R. 33 & 38 (3)]
For ‘Conversion of Firm to LLP’, the relevant Rule 38 is notified vide
Notification no. S.O. 1324(E) dated May 22nd, 2009 w.e.f May 31st, 2009
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
33. Conversion of Companies to LLP (Ch. X)
This part is governed by Section 56 (for private companies) & Section 57 (for unlisted
public companies)
•Governed by Third Schedule in respect of Private Companies
•Governed by Fourth Schedule in respect of Unlisted Public Companies
•Company can be converted into LLP provided-
All partners of LLP must be shareholders of that company & no one else
There is no security interest in its assets
•Upon conversion, all assets & liabilities get vested in LLP and principally all other
provisions are similar as that for firms
•Listed Public Company cannot be converted into LLP
•Application for conversion to be made to ROC in prescribed ‘Form-18 (Part A)’
alongwith Statement of Shareholders in ‘Form-18 (Part B)’ [R. 39(1) & 40(1)]
•Same procedures as regards conversion of Firms
Above referred Sections & Relevant Schedules are notified vide notification no. S.O.
1323 (E) w.e.f May 31st, 2009
For ‘Conversion of Companies to LLP’, the relevant Rules 39 & 40 are notified vide
Notification no. S.O. 1324(E) dated May 22nd, 2009 w.e.f May 31st, 2009
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
34. Foreign LLPs (Ch. XI)
• Foreign Limited Liability Partnerships [S. 59]
LLP Act gives power to CG to make rules for establishment of place of
business of Foreign LLPs & conduct of business
Rules regarding setting up of Foreign LLPs in India is provided in
Chapter XI of LLP Rules, 2009
• R. 18 (3) provides that Foreign LLPs may reserve name by which they are
known in their country by application in ‘Form-25’
This reservation will be valid for 3 years & must be renewed
• R. 34 (1) provides for application to be filed with ROC alongwith
prescribed documents in prescribed ‘Form-27’ within 30 days from
establishment of business in India
• Every Foreign LLP must file Statement of Accounts & Solvency in
‘Form-8’ within 30 days from end of 6 months of FY [R. 34 (4)]
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
35. Compromise, Arrangement or Reconstruction of LLPs
(Ch. XII)
• Compromise or Arrangement of LLPs [S. 60]
• Power of Tribunal to enforce Compromise or Arrangement [S. 61]
• Provisions for Reconstruction or Amalgamation of LLPs [S. 62]
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
36. Winding Up and Dissolution (Ch. XIII)
This Chapter has not been notified as yet
• Winding Up and Dissolution [S. 63]
• Circumstances of Winding Up [S. 64]
• Rules relating therein [S. 65]
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
37. Miscellaneous (Ch. XIV)
• Transactions of Partner with LLP [S. 66]
Partner who transacts or lends money to LLP has same rights &obligations as a
person who is not partner
• Application of provisions of Companies Act [S. 67 & Q. 55 of FAQs]
• E-Filing of Documents [S. 68]
• Payment of Additional Fee [S. 69]
• Enhanced Punishment [S. 70]
• Application of Other Laws not barred [S. 71]
• Jurisdiction of Tribunal & Appellate Tribunal [S. 72]
• Offences & Penalties [Ss. 73, 74 & 76]
• Powers of Registrar to Strike-off names of Defunct LLPs [S. 75 & Q. 53 of FAQs]
• Jurisdiction of Courts [S. 77]
• Miscellaneous Powers to make Rules, amend Schedules & remove difficulties [Ss. 78,
79 & 80]
• Transitional Provisions [S. 81]
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
38. Some Issues
• Companies can apply for conversion only if there is no Security
Interest on its assets
• Why introduce a restrictive clause in case of Companies?
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
39. Some Issues
• According to S. 71, provisions of LLP Act will not be in derogation
to provisions of other Acts
• The question which arises is as to whether CAs are allowed to
form LLPs or convert their firms into LLPs?
• As per Chartered Accountants Act & Regulations, at various
places, the words ‘partnership’ & ‘firm’ are used without
assigning any particular meaning to it
• Will a LLP meet the requirements of CA Act & Regulations?
• This would require amendments to certain Acts which are
relevant to professional services [Q. 56 of FAQs]
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
40. Some Issues
• If firm of CAs convert into LLP, what will be auditee’s stand?
• Does conversion amount to ‘Casual Vacancy’ as per Companies
Act?
• Would another resolution be required to appoint an LLP as
auditors?
• As per Clause 14 of Second Schedule, appointment of firm in any
role or capacity shall operate as if LLP was appointed
Effect of such Clause?
• Some clarifications / amendments are required in the Companies
Act
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
41. Some Issues
• S. 36 of LLP Act provides for inspection of all documents including
Statement of Accounts & Solvency filed by LLP with ROC, by any
person
• Question arises as to whether this is acceptable to Professional
Firms like lawyers, CAs, CWAs, etc?
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
42. Some Issues
• The LLP Act has incorporated procedures for conversion of
companies to LLP by way of Third & Fourth Schedules
• However, there is no procedure for LLPs to be converted to
companies
• Amendments required to be made in this regard in Companies Act
[Q. 46 of FAQs]
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
43. Some Issues
• As per Clause 5 of Second Schedule, LLP, upon receipt of
‘Form-19’ from ROC must submit an application to concerned
Registrar of Firms in prescribed ‘Form-14’ for striking-out name of
Firm from its Records
• Is this required in case of Unregistered Firms?
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
44. Some Issues
• Tax treatment not specified in Finance Bill, 2009
• It is expected to be specified in next Finance Bill which the New
Government will introduce in the Parliament
• Till then tax treatment is not known, i.e,-
Whether it will be taxed like a firm or pass through structure in
the hands of partners?
Will remuneration paid to partners / interest on capital be
allowed as a deduction in the hands of LLP?
For Conversion of firm or Company to LLP?
On amalgamation of LLPs?
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
45. Some Issues
• Whether Stamp Duty is payable on Incorporation of LLPs?
• If so, how much?
• Whether Companies & Firms will be exempt from Stamp Duties
upon conversion to LLPs?
• It must be noted that Stamp Duties are legislations of respective
States & therefore clarity is needed from them [Q. 47 of FAQs]
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
46. Comparison with Companies
Basis Company LLP
Governing Law Companies Act, 1956 Limited Liability Partnership Act,
2008
Name Must contain suffix ‘Ltd’ or ‘Pvt Must contain suffix ‘LLP’
Ltd’
Common Seal Common Seal is compulsory Common Seal is optional
Organizational Rigid & governed by Companies Flexible & governed by LLP
Structure Act Agreement
Appointment of Specific Resolution required for Auditors shall be deemed to be re-
Auditors appointment of auditors at every appointed in case no specific
AGM appointment is made (unless
otherwise decided)
Audit All companies are subject to audit Only LLPs having turnover of more
of accounts than Rs. 40 Lacs or contribution of
more than Rs. 25 Lacs are subject to
audit of accounts
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
47. Comparison with Partnership Firms
Basis Partnership Firms LLP
Governing Law Partnership Act, 1932 Limited Liability Partnership Act,
2008
Registration Not Compulsory; but is preferred Compulsory
Creation By partnership Agreement By Law
Legal Status Partners collectively known as LLP has separate legal status apart
‘Firm’; no separate legal status from partners
Succession Firm would cease to exist on LLP would not be affected on change
change in partnership, unless in partnership (Perpetual
otherwise provided in agreement Succession)
Ownership of Partnership cannot own assets in LLP can own assets in its own name
Assets its name; assets must be in name
of Partners
Liability of Unlimited Limited
Partners
Minor’s Position Minor can be admitted to benefits Law silent on position of Minors
of Partnership
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
48. Tax Proposals in the Finance Bill (No. 2), 2009
• Tax treatment of LLPs to be same as that of ‘Partnership Firms’
• S. 2 (23) of Income Tax Act, 1961 (IT Act) to include ‘LLP’ & its ‘Partners’
• Partner’s share of profit will be exempt [S.10 (2A) of IT Act]
• Partner’s remuneration will be subject to newly proposed limits-
Slab of Book Profit Remuneration Allowable
On first Rs. 3 lacs or in case of loss Rs. 1.5 lacs or 90% of book profits, whichever
is higher
On balance of book profit 60% of book profits
• DPs must verify & sign on Income Tax Returns. In absence of DPs, any partner
must sign & verify [S. 140 of IT Act]
• In case LLP is wound up, every partner will be liable for payment of taxes due
unless he can prove that non-recovery cannot be attributed to his acts [S. 167C
of IT Act]
• Capital Gains not to be attracted if mutual rights & obligations of partners
remain same & if there is no transfer of Asset / Liability after conversion.
Otherwise, ‘Capital Gains’ provisions will be attracted
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey
49. In case of any difficulty…
Office of the Registrar
Limited Liability Partnerships
Ministry of Corporate Affairs,
3rd Floor, “Paryavaran Bhawan”,
CGO Complex, Lodhi Road,
New Delhi (India)- 110003
Phone - +91-11-24362189
Email:santosh.kumar@mca.gov.in ,oandm.dca@sb.ni
CA. Kamlesh Vikamsey