Conversion of LLP to Private Limited Company
An LLP is the simplest form of Incorporated Business in India that is easy to start and lighter on the compliance aspect compared to the company form of organization. There is no hard and fast rule whether a business should begin as LLP or a Private Limited Company. As per the Law, there is no restriction on the kind of business you may do in the LLP form of business. However, it is presumed that the LLP form of business is very well suited for professionals such as Architects, Doctors, Engineers, CA, CS and Lawyers. Due to fewer compliance requirements, small businesses and startups prefer a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) over a Private Limited. In the case of LLP, the statutory audit by CA is required only when the turnover of the LLP is more than 40 Lakhs or where the capital is over Rs. 25 Lakhs. In other words, when the LLP grows, the compliance requirement is similar to that of a Private Limited Company. Further, the LLP is investor-friendly, and for every small change in the ownership, the LLP agreement has to be changed. In contrast, the shareholding changes can be done easily in a Private Limited Company. For these reasons, many LLP converts as Private Limited Company; Several businesses started in India as Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), may now wish to convert into a private limited company for more growth in business or for infusing equity capital. An LLP can be converted into a Pvt. Ltd. company as per the provisions contained in Section 366 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Company (Authorised to Register) Rules, 2014. However, there are various requirements which need to be satisfied for converting an LLP into a Private Limited Company, for instance, an LLP must have at least 7 partners, approval from all the partners is required, advertisement in newspaper is to be done in a local and a national newspaper, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is required from the ROC When is LLP the Best Choice? Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is Ideal for service sectors, professionals, startups, and small businesses seeking Limited Liability, aiming to reduce annual compliance and audit costs. It is also suitable for those not looking to secure funds from Angel Investors or Venture Capital firms in the initial phase and not intending to issue shares to employees through ESOP When is a Private Limited Company the Best Choice? A private Limited Company is suitable for those investors who are big businesses, startups, and capital-intensive businesses and need funding from Venture Capitalists and Investors, need borrowings from banks, need foreign funding, and offer ESOPs to employees. What are the Benefits of Converting LLP into a Private Limited Company? Facilitated Growth: Converting to a private limited company supports business growth and expansion. Convenient Capital Raising: Private limited companies find it more convenient to attract investments from investors compared to LLPs. Equity can be offered to make them business partners, or debentures can be issued to secure debt capital. Flexible Share Issuance: Companies can increase capital at any time by issuing equity shares. Additionally, employee bonuses in the form of ESOPs can be allocated. Lower Taxation: Companies enjoy a lower income tax rate of 25%, as opposed to LLPs with a flat rate of 30%. Tax Benefits: The conversion from LLP to a company is exempt from capital gains tax. It also permits the carryforward of unabsorbed depreciation and losses. Potential for Public Listing: Private limited companies have the flexibility to be transformed into public limited companies in the future, facilitating expanded operations and the potential to raise capital from the public. Preservation of Goodwill: Converting from an LLP to a private limited company allows the business to retain its established brand name and goodwill. Enhanced Foreign Investments: Private limited companies generally encounter fewer hurdles in attracting investments from foreign investors compared to LLPs. Eligibility Requirement For Conversion of LLP to Company Any person who is not disqualified as per the act A company considered in the Companies Act 1956 or Companies Act 2013 An LLP considered under the LLP Act 2008 An LLP is considered as a foreign LLP A company considered as a foreign company Who is not Eligible for Becoming a Partner in LLP? An individual with a condition that he might be in no unsound mind and has been declared by competent authorities and jurisdiction. A minor/ HUF/ Partnership Firm An AOP (Association of Persons) or BOI (Body of Individuals) An Artificial Judicial Person/ Corporate Sole A Co-operative Society registered under any law in the mentioned time period A body corporate which the Central Government might mention on the behalf by notification in the Official Gazette. Who Can Become a Member of LLP? Any person or a body corporate can become a member of an LLP. Who is not Capable of Becoming a Member of LLP? The person who cannot become a member of LLP is If he is found to be unsound by the Court of competent jurisdiction and if it is proved; If he comes under ‘undischarged insolvent; or If his application shows to be arbitrated as insolvent but the application is still on hold. Who is Appointed as a Designated Partner in LLP? An LLP stands for the Limited Liability Partnership and is ruled according to the rules of the LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) Act, 2008. As the years are passing, the LLP is becoming famous as compared to the ‘Private’ or a ‘Limited Company’ form of business and this is only possible because the nature of the LLP is easier and the compliances are lesser. Each and every LLP must have at least 2 partners and both of them must be designated partners who must participate in daily basis activities and works in the support of the partners. After the appointment, the partner or a designated partner can be removed, changed, or appointed. Who cannot be Appointed as a Designated Partner in LLP? Person who has been adjudged insolvent in the last five years. Person who has not clear payments to his
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