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Once you’ve decided to join the self-employed sector, there are many different options available to you – here we take a look at the Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP) route.

What is a Limited Liability Partnership?

Sharing some similarities to a limited company, an LLP is a way for two or more people to come together to carry out business projects and activities.

By joining with a business partner, it means that you can put your individual skills and expertise together, as well as spread the level of risk that comes with running a company.

What is meant by an LLP member?

An LLP must have at least two ‘members’ – this can be in the form of a person or a company.

If there are numerous members, then there will always be two designated members who will have more responsibilities compared to the others.

For example, it will be solely up to them to carry out tasks such as:

  • Registering the business with HMRC.
  • Keeping accounting records.
  • Registering the business for VAT (but only if sales are expected to exceed £85,000 a year).
  • Preparing, signing and sending annual accounts to Companies House.

Liabilities will need to be set between all members through a partnership agreement – a solicitor will usually be involved with this process.

The LLP agreement of duties should clearly state the following:

  • All members’ responsibilities.
  • Who needs to agree on decisions.
  • How the profits will be shared among the members.
  • How the members can either join or leave the LLP.

All members will need to pay tax on their share of the profits, which means that they’ll need to register for self-assessment and complete an annual tax return.

How do I register a Limited Liability Partnership?

Before registering, you’ll need to choose a business name.

Whether a limited company or LLP, when it comes to naming a business, you’ll need to take a few things into consideration, such as ensuring it’s not offensive or the same as an existing company.

The name will need to end in either ‘Limited Liability Partnership’ or ‘LLP’.

You’ll also need an official address for your business; this has to be a physical address in the same country that your LLP is registered in. It is possible to use your home address, but it’s important to be aware that due to an LLP being registered as a legal body at Companies House, this information can be viewed by the public.

You can register your LLP either electronically via third-party software, by post (download and fill out an application form found on GOV.UK) or by using a formation agent.

What are the benefits of a Limited Liability Partnership?

There are a number of advantages that come with trading through an LLP, some of which include:

  • Flexibility – it’s completely up to you and the other members how you operate and distribute the profits of the business. There’s also the option of the level of membership you wish to be.
  • LLPs are a separate legal entity to a member, which means that personal assets are protected should the business incur any debts that it is unable to pay.
  • Expenses – you’re able to claim back on certain expenses incurred through the running of the business. These include travel and subsistence and home office expenses.

We hope this page has answered some of your LLP questions. Our team of experts are available to answer any queries you may have, so drop us a line on 01442 795 100 or email Jaime at jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com.

Why Thousands of Contractors Choose Dolan Accountancy

With over 25 years experience in contractor accountancy helping thousands of contractors, freelancers and the self employed, Dolan Accountancy has the specialist skills, reputation and credibility you can trust.

Working closely with our sister company, Contractor Umbrella, it means we can offer one low cost, fixed fee package at £105 + VAT. This gives you the flexibility of using both our Limited Company Accountancy Services and our award winning Umbrella Service, for one inclusive cost.

If you’d like to find out more about how Dolan Accountancy can help you and your business, please give us a call on 01442 795 100 or email sophie.lewis@dolanaccountancy.com or jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com.

We don’t believe in tiered packages or hidden extra fees, instead we aim to give you everything you need, including:

  • Free Company Formation – This is where it all begins. Once you have decided on an available name, we will form your company free of charge (if using our accountancy services) and it will be ready for you to use in as little as three hours
  • Free use of Contractor Umbrella – With IR35 Legislation changes we understand that sometimes you are required to contract via an umbrella company. We will keep your limited company ticking over, while you work margin free via our sister company, Contractor Umbrella
  • A Dedicated Accountant – Your accountant will be there for any company or personal tax advice that you require. We will never outsource work, even to internal teams
  • Free Access to FreeAgent – We offer all of our clients access to FreeAgent, free of charge
  • Free Business Banking – We have decided to waive our commission so our clients can use Tide free of charge for the first year
  • Unlimited IR35 Status Reviews – We will review all of your contracts for IR35 purposes and provide you with our professional opinion as to its status
  • Free Registered and Director’s Service Office Address – Sometimes you just don’t want your home address on display at Companies House. When you sign up to our accountancy services, we will offer the use of our address as an alternative
  • Your Business and Personal Taxation Needs – This includes Company Accounts, Director’s Personal Tax Return, VAT Returns, Payroll, Corporation Tax and Dividend advice, to name just a few
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