11.2 Corporations And Their Structure

Corporations And Their Structure

1 | Define the Three Types of Business Structures

In the realm of business, three primary structures define how businesses operate and are governed: sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. Let’s examine each:

Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure where a single individual owns, manages, and is responsible for the business. Here are the key points:

• Taxes: The owner’s personal income tax rate applies to the business earnings.
• Profits and Losses: The owner enjoys all the profits but is also personally liable for all business debts and obligations.
• Assets: No legal distinction between personal and business assets.
• Liability: The owner holds unlimited liability, meaning if business assets are insufficient to cover debts, personal assets may be at risk.

Partnership

Partnerships involve two or more individuals co-owning a business, governed under the Partnership Act. There are two types:

• *General Partnership:

  • Management: All partners manage the business.
  • Liability: Partners share unlimited personal liability for business debts and obligations.

• *Limited Partnership:

  • Management: One or more general partners handle business operations.
  • Limited Partners: Invest in the business but do not participate in day-to-day management. Their liability is limited to their investment amount.

2 | Describe the Advantages, Disadvantages, Process, and Structure of Corporations

Definition

A corporation is a legally defined, independent entity separate from its shareholders. It operates under legal and regulatory frameworks unique to corporate entities.

Advantages

• Liability Protection: Shareholders have limited liability; they are not personally responsible for corporate debts.
• Perpetual Existence: Corporations continue to exist beyond the life of their owners.
• Capital Raising: Corporations can issue shares or bonds to raise substantial capital.
• Transferable Ownership: Ownership can be transferred through the sale of shares, without affecting the corporation’s operations.

Disadvantages

• Complexity and Cost: Corporations require extensive documentation, regulatory compliance, and legal formalities to establish and maintain.
• Double Taxation: Income can be taxed at both corporate and dividend levels, potentially reducing overall earnings.

Process of Formation

• Incorporation: Legal process includes registering with governmental authorities, typically requires comprehensive documentation such as articles of incorporation and corporate bylaws.
• Continuing Obligations: Regular filings, board meetings, compliance with corporate governance rules.

Structure

The corporate structure usually includes the following components:

• Shareholders: Owners of the corporation through purchased shares.
• Board of Directors: Elected by shareholders, responsible for major decisions and policy direction.
• Officers: Executives such as the CEO and CFO, responsible for daily operations and implementation of board policies.

Comparison with Other Business Structures

Unlike sole proprietorships and partnerships, corporations possess distinct advantages in raising funds through issuing equity or debt, making them suitable for substantial business ventures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What distinguishes a corporation from a sole proprietorship or partnership? Corporations are separate legal entities offering limited liability to their shareholders, more favorable for large-scale operations due to their ability to raise capital via equity or debt issuance.

2. Why do corporations face double taxation? Income is taxed at the corporate level and again at the individual level when distributed as dividends.

3. What are the primary responsibilities of the Board of Directors? They include overseeing corporate policies, major business decisions, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Glossary

• Sole Proprietorship: A business owned and run by one person with no distinction between the business and the owner.
• Partnership: A business structure where two or more individuals share ownership.
• Corporation: A legal entity that is separate from its owners, providing limited liability protection.
• Liability: Legal responsibility for debts and actions.
• Equity: Ownership interest in a corporation through stock.
• Debt: Money borrowed by the corporation to be repaid at a later date, often with interest.

Key Takeaways

• Corporations are separate legal entities, distinct from their shareholders, providing limited liability and perpetual existence.
• Unlike sole proprietorships and partnerships, corporations can raise significant capital through issuing shares and bonds.
• While offering several financial and legal advantages, corporations are more complex and costly to maintain.

by CSC Exam Preparation Guide

In this section

• 11.2.1 Advantages And Disadvantages Of Incorporation
  Explore the advantages and disadvantages of incorporation in this comprehensive guide. Understand why incorporation as a legal entity might benefit or constrain your business.
• 11.2.2 Private And Public Corporations
  Learn the differences between private and public corporations, their by-laws, voting rights, and shareholders' meetings. Understand the importance of voting by proxy, voting trusts, and more in the Canadian context.
• 11.2.3 Corporate Structure
  Understanding the executive-level corporate structure including roles and responsibilities can significantly benefit those preparing for the Canadian Securities Course (CSC). Learn about the duties and obligations of directors, the chairman, president, vice-presidents, and officers.