Structure Information

One of the most important decisions when commencing business is to determine the best legal structure to that will apply to your specific situation. It is therefore essential that this decision be made with the advice of your accountant and solicitor to understand the advantages and disadvantages that apply to each type of structure.

The following is a general list of the more important considerations in determining the preferred business structure:

1) Legal liability
2) Tax implications
3) Formation cost
4) Ongoing cost
5) Flexibility
6) Future requirements

It is important that the chosen structure is established before the business commences and the nominated parties are able to comply with the various legal requirements. However, depending upon taxation (e.g. capital gains tax) and other implications (e.g. stamp duty), a business structure may be altered to suit a change in circumstances.

The following is a summary of the four different type of business structures.

Sole Trader

A sole trader is the simplest form of a business structure, with the individual having sole ownership and control. Being relatively easy and inexpensive to start, this structure is ideally suited to small businesses with low risk and low profits.

A sole trader can register a business name with ASIC or choose to simply trade under their own name. Any business profits are taxed on the individuals income tax return, although business losses are subject to non-commercial loss rules and therefore can only offset other taxable income if certain tests are satisfied.

The following are some key advantages and disadvantages of operating as a sole trader:

Advantages

Simple to administer and maintain control
Low establishment and ongoing costs
Tax benefits exist if profits are low
Less compliance and legal requirements

Disadvantages

Unlimited personal liability
Change of structure required if more owners
No flexibility of income distribution
Tax disadvantages if profits are high

Partnership

A partnership is a relationship and not a separate legal entity. In a partnership, a business is owned and carried on by two or more partners, with each partner jointly owning all the business assets and liabilities. Often a partnership agreement is documented between partners to highlight key aspects such as the roles, authority and liabilities of each partner, and distribution of profits.

A partnership is required to lodge a partnership tax return but as it is not a separate taxable entity, it is not assessed on its taxable income. The partners are assessed on their share of the net income of the partnership or may be entitled to claim a deduction for their share of the net loss of the partnership.

The following are some key advantages and disadvantages of a partnership:

Advantages

Simple to administer and maintain control
Low establishment and ongoing costs
Tax benefits exist if profits are low
Less compliance and legal requirements

Disadvantages

Partners are personally liable
Change of structure required if more owners
Tax disadvantages if profits are high
Decision making split between partners

Trust

A trust is a structure where a trustee carries out the business on behalf of the beneficiaries of the trust. A trust deed is prepared by a solicitor prior to business commencing to outline the terms of a trust agreement and important details such as the trustee and beneficiaries.

The most common trusts are: (1) discretionary trust, and (2) fixed trust. A discretionary trust is most suited to family businesses so that each family member can be made a beneficiary without having any direct involvement in how the business is operated. A fixed trust is more common in arrangements between arm’s length parties (i.e. non-family members) whereby the entitlement to both profit and capital is fixed.

A trust is not a separate legal entity and is therefore not a taxpayer in its own right. A trust is however required to lodge a tax return which includes any profits and how such profits are distributed. Any losses are quarantined within the trust and are not be distributed to beneficiaries.

The following are some key advantages and disadvantages of a trust structure:

Advantages

Limited liability is possible
Flexibility of income distribution
Tax benefits may exist depending upon beneficiaries
Access to CGT general 50% concession

Disadvantages

High compliance costs
Changing regulations and rules
Unable to offset losses against personal income
Difficult to make changes once established

Company

A company is a separate legal entity incorporated with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). A company is controlled by the directors who operate the business for the benefit of the shareholders who may have an entitlement to dividends.

As a separate legal entity, a company is required to lodge a tax return each year and pay tax on any profits at a flat rate of 30%. Generally, the owner’s assets cannot be accessed to pay for any company debts or liabilities. However, there are some exceptions in situations where a personal guarantee is provided.

While a company can also be sued in its own right, the company director can also be held personally responsible if they are found to have been negligent in performing their duties.

The following are some key advantages and disadvantages of a company structure:

Advantages