Overview of Adding a Partner in LLP in India
Over the years, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) have become a popular form of business structure in India as they offer the flexibility of a partnership with the benefit of limited liability. Partners in LLP are not personally responsible for the debts of the business. One of the significant benefits of establishing an LLP in India is the ability to add or remove partners. A change in partners in the LLP can occur for several reasons, such as a change in terms of the partnership, raising capital in the firm, retirement or exit of existing partners, dispute resolution, or a lesser number of designated partners. The procedure to add or remove a partner in India begins with amending the LLP agreement and filing an application to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), which shall approve the changes in the partnership structure of the LLP. In this guide, we will explore eligibility for becoming a partner in an LLP, the documents required, and the steps involved in each process.
What is an LLP?
A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is a business structure that combines a company and a partnership. It is registered with the MCA, and details of an LLP are available at the MCA Portal. Unlike a Partnership, in an LLP, the partners have limited liability; their liability is limited to the extent of their contribution to the business, meaning that they are not personally liable for liability(s), debt(s), or loss(s) of the business. LLP is governed by the Limited Liability Partnership Act of 2008.
Types of Partners in an LLP
There are two types of partners in an LLP:
- Designated Partners: They are responsible for the day-to-day functions and management of an LLP. They are authorised to act on behalf of the LLP and represent it legally. An LLP must have at least two designated partners and one of them must be a resident of India. There is no limit on the maximum number of partners in an LLP. They are personally liable for filing annual returns, maintaining records, etc.
- Non-Designated Partners: Also known as silent partners, they contribute capital and other resources to the LLP but are not involved in its day-to-day business or management. Their liability is limited to their contribution to the LLP, and they cannot be held personally liable for actions of the LLP beyond their investment.
Benefits of Adding a New Partner
There are several benefits of adding a new partner to your LLP. Some of them are listed below:
- Access to Capital: New partners can provide funding to expand the business, invest in new ventures, and improve working capital management.
- Greater Expertise: A new partner can provide new insights, specialised expertise, and extra abilities that help your firm expand.
- Shared Responsibilities: You can divide your company's management load with that of a new partner. Better and more balanced decision-making can result from sharing the workload, duties, decisions, and responsibilities.
- Expanded Network: A new partner may contribute to their industry contacts, suppliers, and clientele, which can be advantageous for business expansion and prospects.
- Flexibility in Profit Sharing: By adding a partner, you can take on a profit-sharing arrangement that aligns with the contributions and roles of all partners. It can motivate all partners to contribute to the business’s growth and success.
Who is Eligible to Become a New Partner in an LLP?
- An individual must be at least 18 years old.
- The individual must be sound and not disqualified by a court of law.
- The Individual must not be undischarged insolvent or convicted for fraud or moral turpitude.
- The individual must not be disqualified under the LLP Act, 2008
- A Corporate Body such as a Private Limited Company, Public Company, or another LLP.
- To become a Designated Partner:
- Must have a Designated Partner Identification Number (DPIN)
- One designated Partner must be a resident of India.
Documents Required to Add a New Partner in LLP
To add a new partner in an LLP, the following documents are required:
- LLP Agreement: The existing LLP agreement must be amended to show the addition of a new partner. The agreement must be signed, and it should clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of a new partner, along with the profit and loss sharing ratio.
- Letter of Consent: The new partner has to provide written consent to become a part of the LLP.
- LLP Form 3: This e-form is required to notify about modifications or amendments made in the LLP agreement to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). The form must be filed within 30 days from the date of amending the agreement.
- LLP Form 4: This e-form is required to report a new appointment, termination, or amendment to the name, address, or designation of the designated partner. It also contains the statement of consent of the new partner, along with its signature.
- Proof of Identity and Address of the New Partner, such as an Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Utility Bills (for the last two months), or Bank Statement (for the last six months).
- Designated Partner Identification Number (DPIN): A unique identification number is issued by MCA to the Designated Partners. If the new partner will act and serve as a Designated Partner, they must have a valid DPIN.
- Copy of Resolution of existing Partner: Existing partners shall pass a Board Resolution giving their express consent to approve the addition of a new partner in LLP.
- Detail of Capital Contribution: If the new partner contributes any capital contribution to the LLP, details of the capital contributed, containing the amount and nature of the contribution made, must be properly documented.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Add a New Partner in LLP
Step 1: Consent of existing Partners
To add a new partner to an existing LLP in India, you need consent from the existing partners. Partners have to give their express consent in the form of a Board Resolution.
Step 2: Consent of the New Partner(s)
The next step is to prepare and file a letter of consent or a Deed of Accession containing consent from the new partners in written form to join the LLP with the existing LLP agreement. It is important to clearly mention the roles, responsibilities, capital contribution by new partners, profit-sharing ratio, and any other obligations of the new partners in this document.
Step 3: Amend the LLP Agreement
If there is any change in the LLP, the LLP agreement needs to be amended. This will include:
- Full name, address, and identification details (such as PAN, Aadhar, etc.) of the new partner.
- Capital contribution (whether it’s in cash, kind, or any other form) must be clearly mentioned in the agreement, along with the profit-sharing ratio between the new partner and existing partners.
Step 4: File Forms with the Registrar of Companies (RoC)
You need to file two forms with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA):
- Form LLP-3:
It is an electronic form that formally notifies the MCA about amendments made to the LLP agreement. It includes the addition of a new partner, a revised LLP agreement, details of the new partner, and any change in the business's capital structure or profit-sharing ratio. The form must be filed within 30 days to the MCA portal from the date of amendment of the LLP agreement.
- Form LLP-4:
It is an e-form that notifies MCA about the addition of a Partner to an LLP. The form shall include the details of the New Partners, i.e., their full name, address, Designated Partner Identification Number (DPIN), and their consent to become a partner. The form must be filed within 30 days of the admission of the new partner after being certified by a practising chartered accountant or a company secretary.
Step 5: Obtain a Designated Partner Identification Number (DPIN) (if applicable)
If the new partner who will be appointed as a Designated Partner does not have a Designated Partner Identification Number (DPIN), they must apply to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) for the same.
Step 6: Update the Partner Register
Update the Partner Register once the new partner is admitted. You need to add the following details to the register:
- Name and address of the new partner.
- Designated Partner Identification Number (DPIN), if applicable.
- Date of admission of new partner(s)
- The details of contribution(s) made by the new partner(s).
Step 7: Inform Tax Authorities
LLP builds on mutual trust and respect, and every partner has some role to play in the business. Once a new partner is added to the Partnership, updating the PAN card and GST is mandatory. All the tax authorities need to be notified about the admission of new partner(s).
Step 8: Update Internal Records
When a new partner is officially added to the LLP, internal records such as financial statements, balance sheets, and other LLP accounting papers have to be changed as per the changes made. These have to show that a new partner has been added to the firm, and If the new partner is a Designated Partner, it is mandatory to add the name of the new partner to the LLP’s bank account(s). Furthermore, it is important to inform the stakeholders as well as creditors/investors about the admission of new partner(s) to the LLP.
Why Choose Kanakupillai?
Kanakkupillai is a trusted name in the industry, offering seamless and reliable services for business registration, addition or removal of partners, conversion, and compliance. With over more than 50,000+ satisfied clients, choosing Kankakupillai for adding a new partner to your LLP, you benefit from:
- Expert Advice: The team of experts at Kanakkupillai guarantees a seamless addition procedure by guiding you at every step.
- End-to-End Services: Our team of experts are trained to understand concepts in depth and take care of every step. We cover everything, from the preparation of documents to filing.
- Timely Completion: We guarantee that the addition process is finished as soon as feasible, without interruptions and delays. We make sure to file the documents on time.
- Reasonably priced: Kanakkupillai provides all services at cheap prices, making it affordable for new and expanding companies.
- Client-Centric Approach: We guarantee that all of your questions are answered and provide personalized services as per the needs of the client.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first step to add a new partner in an LLP?
The first step is to obtain consent from the existing partners before proceeding with any amendments.Can a company become a partner in an LLP?
Yes, a corporate entity like a private limited company or another LLP can also join as a partner.Do I need to amend the LLP agreement when adding a partner?
Yes, the LLP agreement must be amended to include the new partner’s details and terms of involvement.What documents are required to add a new partner to an LLP?
You will need the LLP agreement, a letter of consent from the new partner, and forms like LLP-3 and LLP-4.How long do I have to file the amendment with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs?
The amendment must be filed within 30 days of the LLP agreement being changed.Is a Designated Partner Identification Number (DPIN) required for all new partners?
Only if the new partner is going to be a Designated Partner.What should be updated after a new partner is added to the LLP?
You have to update the partner register, internal records, and notify tax authorities about the change.What makes Us Different
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