Can a Newly Incorporated Company be Converted into LLP

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LLPs, or Limited Liability Partnerships, are gaining popularity due to the proposed business model, which provides long-term benefits. Because this system is a hybrid of partnership and corporate business, it retains the benefits of both. Business owners see LLPs as an alternative business structure that allows them to achieve the flexibility of partnership deals. Let's see if we can convert a new company into an LLP.

It is important to note that LLPs are separate legal entities, and the associated shareowners are not responsible for the assets' upkeep. In addition, the partners' liabilities are determined by their individual contributions to the formation of the LLP.

Changes in the members' panel are not expected to have an impact on the LLP's legal position. The LLP will be able to sign new contracts while maintaining its property rights. Furthermore, no partner will be held liable for the unauthorized and personal whims of other shareholders. As a result, misconduct or individual criminal offence do not bother the associated partners and do not jeopardize their previous business decisions.

LLPs are considered a hybrid of the partnership and company models because they have characteristics of both.

The LLP concept is recognized in many important countries, including India, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Singapore. The majority of LLP legislation is based on the principles of Singapore LLP law (2005) and the UK LLP Act. The latter law went into effect in 2000. These judicial statements allow businessmen to establish a separate corporate body that will be considered differently for legal matters, and the members or partners will be excluded from such cases.

Methods for converting a new company into an LLP

The first step is to schedule a Board meeting. This initiative is crucial because Board Resolution determined whether the company's operational courses would change in the future.

The next step is to obtain written permission from each shareholder who voted in favour of the LLP conversion. In collaboration with the ROC, you must now submit a request for name options using the 'RUN-LLP' digital form.

According to the rules, you must submit the agreement object clause along with the minutes of the Meeting of Board of Directors in order to apply for name availability. When the name is allotted, you must complete the required paperwork (subscriber sheet, consent, etc.) and then simply file the FiLLip form and Form 18 after having conversations with the RoC.

Documents that complement form FiLLip

  • Written permission was obtained from the Designated partner.

  • Subscription form

  • Papers bearing the Registered LLP office address. These documents can be a lease agreement, a sales agreement, or a rent agreement, among others.

  • If the property is rented, a No Objection Certificate must be obtained from the office owner.

  • The most recent utility bill from the registered workplace

  • Limited Liability Programs and the company(s) in which the partners act as directors or executives. 

Documents that complement form 18

  • The shareholders' statement is the most important requirement. This document is received from each shareowner who provides written consent.

  • The auditor's certification ensures that the enterprise's stated liabilities and assets are correct to the best of his knowledge.

  • Detailed list of creditors (if any). Their approval is required before the owners consider converting to an LLP. A copy of the most recent IT return acknowledgment is also required.

In addition to these documents, the Registrar of Companies will request additional documentation, such as an auditor's certification that the organization is not engaged in NBFC acts. In addition, the shareholders must generate a self-declaration stating that their company is not linked to any secured creditors as of the application filing date.

The RoC now resolves the application submitted by a newly incorporated company in order to determine whether or not the LLP proposal can be accepted. Once the authorities have given their approval, please file the details using the digital LLP-3 form within one month of the RoC's conversion approval.

Legal framework for converting a company into LLP

Section 56, Schedule 3, and Schedule 4 of LLP Act, 2008

In accordance with Section 56 and the Third and Fourth Schedules of the LLP Act, 2008, a Private Limited Company or an Unlisted Public Company may convert into a Limited Liability Partnership.

Eligibility of Conversion

  • At the time of application, there are no existing or active security interests in its assets; and
  • The partners of the limited liability partnership to which it converts are all of the company's shareholders and no one else.

Requirements for converting a company to an LLP

  • Every company member must agree to the conversion decision.

  • An LLP's members all become partners, and no one else.

  • The conversion must be approved by all of the company's creditors, not just the members.

  • According to the Companies Act, no prosecution should have been initiated and no procedure should have been followed.

  • All pending forms and returns must be completed in accordance with the RoC.

  • There should be no outstanding (unsatisfied) charges against the company.

  • The company should have filed at least one Balance Sheet and Annual Return after its incorporation.

  • The company should have stockholders.

  • The company should not be classified as a Section 25 or Section 8 company under the Companies Act of 1956/2013. 

Criteria for a Successful LLP Conversion

Each executive and member of the company must agree to the conversion policies. They should understand that once the conversion is completed, they will all be LLP partners with no room for outsiders in partnership roles. Members must also inform creditors about future plans for the company's conversion strategy to form an LLP in order to obtain their consent.

Companies law requires that the prosecution not be initiated in a different manner; otherwise, the same consequences will apply as they did for the previous company. The RoC requires proprietors to file all outstanding returns and forms and to keep them up to date. Charges that have not been satisfied should not be brought against the corporate body.

Regardless of how new the company is, it must file at least one annual return and perform a balance sheet after its formal operations begin. Acquiring share capital is also essential for the brand.

Finally, the jury determines whether the company falls into the category of Section 25 / Section 8 companies, which are prohibited from obtaining LLP approval under the Companies Act (2013).

Benefits of LLP

The Registrar does not require any minimum capital to register an LLP.

A minimum of two members must agree to become business partners in order for an LLP to be formed. The maximum number of LLP partners, however, is not specified. Registration costs are lower than those required for corporate organizations.

Limited companies must hire auditing services; however, LLPs are exempt from this requirement until their annual contributions exceed Rs.40,000.

When compared to Public and Private Companies, LLPs are also subject to minimum compliance requirements. These organizations must complete annual IT returns and file two documents in conjunction with the RoC. LLPs are considered similar to Partnership Firms. LLPs are exempt from DDTs, or Dividend Distribution Taxes. However, deductions on interest disbursements made to partners are allowed under Section 40(b). Salary, bonus, commissions are also taxed.


Conclusion

When we examine the LLPs' compliances, tax policies, and operational structure, we can easily conclude that this system is best suited for midsize to smaller organizations. On a global scale, LLP models are widely accepted in industries that rely heavily on professionals or service sectors.

LLPs would be beneficial to small and medium-sized businesses in general due to their flexibility in structure, compliance, taxation, and operation. LLPs are the preferred business structure around the world, especially in the service industry or for activities involving professionals. The existing corporate structure can be converted to an LLP while retaining the benefits of limited liability and fewer compliances.

The article describes the entire conversion process as well as the requirements that must be met. Compliance Calendar can provide you with end-to-end services to help you converting your company into LLP wherever in India. Because converting your company into LLP is a legal process, it is best to entrust it to a professionally managed agency like CCL.

For any further queries regarding Registration of LLP, feel free to contact us on Compliance Calendar LLP.