Overview
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) in India
A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is a flexible business structure that combines the advantages of both a partnership and a company. Introduced under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008, LLPs
offer limited liability protection to partners, meaning personal assets are safeguarded from business liabilities. An LLP operates as a separate legal entity, allowing it to own property, enter into
contracts, and sue or be sued independently of its partners. This structure is particularly appealing to small businesses, professionals, and service-based enterprises as it offers operational flexibility
with lower compliance requirements than a private limited company.
Why Registration is Important
- Asset Protection : Limits personal liability to the extent of contribution, safeguarding partner assets.
- Operational Flexibility : Provides freedom to manage business operations with fewer regulatory constraints.
- Separate Legal Status : Establishes the LLP as an independent entity, facilitating contracts and property ownership.
- Continuity : Ensures business continuity despite changes in partner composition
- Tax Benefits : Avoids double taxation; income is only taxed at the business level.
Documents Required
To register an LLP in India, the following documents are generally required
For Indian Nationals
For Registered Office
Procedures
The process of registering a Limited Liability in India involves the following steps:
-
DSC
Obtain Digital Signature Certificate
All designated partners must obtain a DSC, which is used to sign documents electronically.
-
DIN
Obtain Director Identification Number
Apply for DIN for all designated partners.
-
Name Reservation
Name Reservation
File the RUN-LLP (Reserve Unique Name - Limited Liability Partnership) form to reserve a unique name for the LLP.
-
Incorporation Filing
Incorporation Filing
After name approval, file the FiLLiP (Form for Incorporation of Limited Liability Partnership) along with the required documents.
-
Agreement
LLP Agreement
Draft the LLP agreement and file it within 30 days of incorporation using Form 3.
-
Certificate
Certificate of Incorporation
Upon successful verification, the Registrar of Companies (ROC) will issue a Certificate of Incorporation, officially establishing the LLP.
Features
Features & Benefits of Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) in India
Partners are only liable for the amount they have invested.
The LLP can own property and enter into contracts in its own name.
The LLP continues to exist regardless of changes in partners.
No restrictions on the maximum number of partners.
Minimal Compliance Requirements
Lesser regulatory burden compared to a private limited company.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) in India
LLPs are taxed as partnerships, avoiding double taxation.
Easy Transfer of Ownership
Partners can be added or removed without affecting the LLP’s operations.
LLPs with a turnover of less than ₹40 lakhs or contribution of less than ₹25 lakhs are not required to audit their accounts.
Profit Distribution Flexibility
Partners can share profits in any ratio agreed upon in the LLP agreement.
Limited Partner Liability Protection
Partners are protected from personal liability for the wrongful acts or misconduct of other partners, safeguarding individual interests.
Comparison between LLP, Private Limited Company And Partnership Firm
| Features |
One Person Company (OPC) |
Private Limited Company |
Sole Proprietorship |
| Legal Status |
Separate Legal Entity |
Separate Legal Entity |
Not a Separate Legal Entity |
| Liability |
Limited to the contribution |
Limited to shares |
Unlimited |
| Number of Partners |
No limit |
2-200 (Shareholders) |
Maximum 20 Partners |
| Compliance Requirements |
Moderate |
High |
Low |
| Registration Cost |
Moderate |
High |
Low |
| Profit Sharing Flexibility |
Yes |
As per shareholding |
Yes |
| Perpetual Succession |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Audit Requirement |
Conditional |
Mandatory |
Not Required |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum number of partners required to form an LLP?
At least two partners are required to form an LLP.
Can an LLP be converted into a private limited company?
Yes, an LLP can be converted into a private limited company following the prescribed legal process.
Is there any restriction on the number of partners in an LLP?
No, there is no upper limit on the number of partners in an LLP.
Are LLPs required to file annual returns?
Yes, LLPs must file annual returns with the ROC and comply with other statutory requirements.
What is an LLP Agreement?
The LLP Agreement is a legal document that outlines the rights, duties, and obligations of the partners.
Do LLPs have to be audited?
LLPs with a turnover exceeding ₹40 lakhs or a contribution exceeding ₹25 lakhs must have their accounts audited.