Difference Between LLP and Company

Publishing Date: 25 Sep, 2024

Introduction 

Before starting a new business, it is important to understand the difference between llp and company. Choosing the wrong structure can result in an incremental cost & time of converting LLP into company or vice-versa. It is important to understand the features and benefits of LLP and company before starting a new business. Limited Liability Partnership and Private limited Company both have their own advantages and disadvantages, understanding their differences can help you to select the right entity. Read this blog related to llp vs pvt ltd company to understand their difference based on taxation, number of members, etc. 

What is a Limited Liability Partnership? 

A limited Liability Partnership is a separate legal entity which can enter into agreement with a third party under its own name. LLP has perpetual succession which means it continues to run in the event of the death of a partner. The partners have limited liability which means their liability is only limited capital contributed by them. In case of any debt or liability of an LLP, partners of LLP don’t need to pay from their personal assets. 

What is a Private Limited Company? 

A private limited company is registered under company act 2013 and the objective of the company is defined under memorandum of association. A private limited company is a business company established by private stakeholders. In India, a private limited company is the most popular type of business structure due to its various advantages, including limited liability protection, ease of formation and maintenance, and separate legal entity status.

Difference Between LLP and Company

The confusion of selecting the right option before starting your company is a common problem that people usually face. Both limited liability partnership and private limited company have their own benefits, limitations and consequences. However, there are certain differences between LLP and Pvt Ltd Company and these are as follow: 

Basis 

Limited Liability Partnership 

Private Limited Company 



Governing Act 

LLPs are required to get themselves registered under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008. They are required to register themselves with ROC on the MCA portal. 

Private limited companies must register themselves under the Companies Act, 2013. They are required to register themselves with ROC on the MCA portal. 

Nomenclature

‘Limited Liability Partnership’ or ‘LLP’ is added as suffix

‘Private limited company’ is added as suffix



No of shareholders/partners 

To start the functioning of the LLP firm, a minimum two designated partners are required. However, there is no upper limit of partners in LLP.

To start the functioning of a private limited company, minimum 2 shareholders are required and maximum 200. However, there should be a minimum of two directors and the limit can go up to 15 maximum directors. 


Day to day management 

A LLP company is managed by the designated partners of the company. All the required decisions must be made by the consent of all the partners. 

However, In private limited companies, the decision must be made by the directors. Also, for the operation of the director partners 

Annual General Meeting 

AN AGM is not required with LLP company

While, in Private limited company, an AGM must be conducted four times every year. This meeting should be conducted in the presence of the Board of Directors. 

Tax audit Requirement

Tax Audit in LLP is only required when the turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh and the capital contribution ₹25 lakh.

In a Private Limited Company, an tax audit is mandatory 


Taxation

In LLP, the tax rate is fixed. LLP should pay 30% tax on its total income. 

Private Limited Company have to pay 25% tax if they earn less than ₹400 crores but if they earn more than that then they have to pay a total 30% of the income. 

Remuneration

There are no restrictions on the remuneration to partner as per LLP act.

There are restrictions on the remuneration to directors as per company act which is a function of profitability.

Venture Capital or IPO

It is not allowed to use venture capital or do IPO in an LLP

Private Limited Company is allowed to raise funds from venture capital or do IPO. 

Share transfer

There is no such requirement of share certificate or register of members. The LLP agreement contains the details of capital contribution and profit share of each partner.

Share certificate and register of members containing details of shareholders is required.

Restriction on directors or partners

There is no restriction on partners to enter into an agreement.

There are restrictions on the directors to enter into certain agreements with related parties, give or take loans or guarantees to other companies.


Dissolution

The process to dissolve an LLP is easy as compared to a private limited company. 

It is a complex process to dissolve the private limited company as it includes a time taking process. 

Features of Limited Liability Partnership 

There are certain features of a Limited Liability Partnership which highlights its working style. These features are as follow: 

  • Ongoing Process: LLP continues its operations irrespective of death, retirement insolvency or change of a partner. 
  • Separate legal entity: In this, the partner’s liability is limited which means their assets will not be used to pay LLPs debts. 
  • Mutual Agency: It is a mutual agency and partners are independent to give their opinion. 
  • LLP Agreement: Every LLP has its own LLP Agreement which includes the rights and duties of the partners. 
  • Minimum & Maximum Number of Partners: Atlast two designated partners are required to start a LLP. There is no maximum number of partners in LLP. 

Features of Private Limited Company 

Private Limited Company have some special features which makes it different from other business structures. These features include: 

  • Ownership Transferability: Private Limited Company allows easy ownership transferability by transferring the ownership of the shares. 
  • Raising Capital: Private Limited Company allows you to raise funds by using venture capital, foreign direct investment, etc. 
  • High Compliance Obligations: Private Limited Company required a lot of compliances just after the incorporation as well annually. 
  • Mandatory Tax Audits: A private limited company needs to have mandatory tax audit. 

Conclusion

There are a lot of differences between llp partnership and company but both of them have their own features which make them unique from each other. Choosing between them totally depends on your business needs and structure. There are many differences such as Compliances, taxation, fund sources which shows their unique identity. However, both LLP and Private Limited Company require attention to work properly and grow successfully. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Can an LLP be called a company?

No, as per act 2008, an LLP does not include the features of a company.

  • Which is better, LLP or Company?

Both, LLP and Company have their own unique features and both are perfect at their own place. 

  • Is LLP registration mandatory?

Yes, It is mandatory to get your LLP registered. 

  • Who controls an LLP?

An LLP is managed and controlled by its designated Partners.

About the Author

CA Nayani Agarwal linkedin

All India Rank - 24

Nayani Agarwal is a Chartered Accounting who scored All India rank - 24 & 22 in CA final and CA intermediate respectively. She also scored an India rank - 21 in the Company Secretary foundation. She has overall 10 plus experience in banking and financial services. Her areas of expertise is startup consultancy, ESOP, Income Tax, GST, corporate Compliances & import expeort consultancy.