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Business Law
business structures
50
Accounting
Graduate
09/02/2016

Additional Accounting Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
What are the key elements of a valid Partnership?
Definition
Must have two or more partners. Must intend to engage in business for profit. Life of partnership is of limited duration in most cases. Agency/fiduciary relationship is created. Partnership interest is always considered personal property.
Term
Can corporations and other partnerships become partners in a partnership?
Definition
Yes; corporations and other partnerships can become partners of a partnership
Term
Name the Basics of Partnership Formation - Form of agreement and intent
Definition
Agreement can be very informal - either ORAL; IMPLIED or WRITTEN

Intent is to make a profit
Term
When must a partnership agreement be in writing?
Definition
Must be WRITTEN if partnership activity falls within Statute of Frauds:

A. Can't be completed in 1 year

B. Even if partners reside in different states; not necessary unless within Statute of Frauds

C. Neither dollar amount of transactions nor purchasing of real estate has bearing on whether partnership agreement must be in writing
Term
How are profits shared in a partnership?
Definition
Profit sharing is equal by default

A. Unless partnership agreement says otherwise

B. Unless specified; sharing of losses follows same pattern as sharing of profits
Term
What is the Liability of General Partners in a partnership?
Definition
Joint Liability - Partners are collectively liable for debts/torts

Several Liability - Partners are individually liable for debts/torts
Term
Which assets may creditors of a partnership go after; and in which order?
Definition
Creditors must go after partnership assets first before suing partners individually
Term
What are the rights of a General Partner in a partnership?
Definition
General Partners have joint control over the management of the partnership and its affairs

Unanimous vote needed to change the structure of the partnership

Each partner has full right to inspect partnership accounting and business

Partner has the authority to assign their interest to another partner
Term
What does and does NOT happen when a General Partner assigns their partnership interest to someone else?
Definition
1. Other party gets that partner's share of the profits and/or capital contribution.

2. Does NOT give assignee authority to vote on partnership business

3. Assignee does NOT have right to inspect partnership books

4. Assignor still maintains liability

5. Partner does NOT have the right to assign their interest in partnership property or allow partner's creditors to attach a lien.
Term
What is the actual authority of a partner in a partnership?
Definition
Has authority to bind the partners to a contract.
Term
What is the APPARENT authority of a partner in a partnership?
Definition
A third party reasonably believes partner has authority to bind partnership to contract

Cannot use apparent authority to add a new partner

Cannot use apparent authority to sell or bind partnership assets
Term
With respect to liability on subsequent debts; what happens when a partner withdraws from a partnership?
Definition
Partner not liable assuming notice given.

Notice must be given to nullify apparent authority

People who had knowledge of their role must be personally notified

Public must be notified
Term
With respect to PRECEDING debts; what is the liability of a partner in a partnership?
Definition
Old partners: Jointly and severally liable unless creditors grant novation

New partners: Only capital account at risk on preceding debts. For subsequent debts; they are joint and severally liable.
Term
What happens upon the death of a partner in a partnership?
Definition
Partner's estate gets share of partnership profits and capital account

Estate does NOT get any partnership assets

Remainder of partners own partnership assets

Heirs of decedent are not added as partners unless remaining partners unanimously agree
Term
What happens during the winding up of a partnership and in what order?
Definition
1. Creditors get paid; Partners can also be creditors

2. Distributions in arrears get paid

3. Partners get return of Capital accounts

4. Any remaining distributions

Note: NO documents need to be filed with state to dissolve general partnership.
Term
What are the requirements to form a Limited Partnership?
Definition
Governed by state L.P. laws

Must file L.P. certificate with Sec. of State

Only General Partners must be listed

Future additions or subtractions of G.P. require certificate to be updated with state
Term
How are profits and losses split in a Limited Partnership?
Definition
Unlike G.P.; L.P. profits/losses are split according to capital contributions by default
Term
True or False: In a Limited Partnership; a General Partner can also be a Limited Partner at
the same time.
Definition
True.

A Limited Partner; however; cannot also be a General Partner and maintain limited liability.
Term
Do limited partners have a fiduciary responsibility to a Limited Partnership?
Definition
No. Limited Partners are do not have a fiduciary responsibility to Limited Partnership
Term
What authority does a limited partner have under a Limited Partnership?
Definition
1. Right to inspect records of the business.

2. Can still vote on partnership business without losing limited liability

3. Can consult and advise partnership without losing limited liability (assuming they don't actually make the decisions)
Term
What limitations does a limited partner have in a Limited Partnership?
Definition
1. They have no authority as an agent to bind the partnership

2. They can't participate in management decisions and maintain limited liability.
Term
What is the liability of a limited partner in a Limited Partnership?
Definition
Limited partners are liable to the extent of their capital contributions only

Exception - A Limited Partner (who cannot participate in management decisions) becomes involved with management decisions

Becomes liable to third parties *IF* they knew of their involvement
Term
When does the dissolution of a Limited Partnership occur?
Definition
Automatically happens

1. Once final General Partner leaves
2. Time specified in certificate lapses
3. Event specified in certificate happens
4. Unanimous consent by partners
5. Illegal activity
Term
What is required to form a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)?
Definition
1. Majority vote required to form LLP
2. Articles of LLP filed with Secretary of State
3. Governed by laws of that State
4.Limited Liability Partnership must be in name
5. No General Partners - each LLP partner has limited liability - Exception: Negligence of partner or those under partner's supervision
Term
What are the key aspects of a Limited Liability Company (LLC)?
Definition
Members can participate in management and retain limited liability

Members don't own any interest in LLC property

Members can assign interest; but not transfer it

Members divide profits equally unless otherwise stated
Term
What are the key aspects of Joint Ventures (JV)?
Definition
Similar to a General Partnership; except generally; a JV is for a single business activity
Example: two companies promote a concert

Ability to bind other JV partners is limited

JV partners still have a fiduciary responsibility to JV

No state filings or paperwork necessary
Term
What are the key aspects of a corporation?
Definition
Shareholders have limited liability to the extent of their capital contribution

C Corporations have a perpetual life and continue even after shareholder death

Corporations are a separate legal entity from their owners and can own property; sue; be sued

Corporations must file Articles of Incorporation in state of governance
Term
What are some of the advantages of a corporation?
Definition
Ability to raise capital

Limited liability - unless actions occur that pierce the veil

Ease of ownership transfer
Term
What actions can pierce the veil of a corporation?
Definition
Commingling of assets

Fraud

Under-capitalization
Term
How is a corporation governed?
Definition
Board adopts Corporate Bylaws to govern company business
Term
What items are required in a corporations Articles of Incorporation?
Definition
Name; purpose; powers of Corporation

Name of registered agent & incorporators

Stock share classes authorized; par values

Name of corporate officers NOT required
Term
What is the biggest disadvantage of a corporation?
Definition
Double taxation
Term
How are corporations formed by promoters?
Definition
Promoter issues prospectus; arranges capital; and is a fiduciary of the corporation.

A promoter may profit from work performed if the corporation is aware of it.
Term
When is a corporation liable for pre-incorporation actions taken by a Promoter?
Definition
Promoter personally liable unless third party agrees to a novation and releases Promoter
from liability; UNLESS the corporation adopts.
Term
In how many states must a corporation incorporate?
Definition
Corporations are only incorporated in one state

Become adomestic corp. in that state

Become aforeign corp. in any other state they do business in
Term
Describe Common Stock dividends and their rights/liabilities in relation to shareholders/corporations.
Definition
Dividends are NOT a shareholder right

Once declared; dividends become a liability to corporation
Term
What are key aspects related to the holding of Preferred Stock?
Definition
No voting rights

Get first rights to dividends and liquidation

Cumulative Preferred Stock dividends that go undeclared accumulate and Corporation must pay it before issuing dividends to Common Stockholders

Participating Preferred Stock gives shareholder right to dividends in addition to what they get as Preferred Stockholders
Term
What aspects are related to all classes of corporate stock?
Definition
Valid consideration must be given for shares

Cash; property; or services performed

No promises to pay or perform services
Term
What are the key aspects of Treasury Stock?
Definition
No Gain/Loss recognized on Treasury stock

Have no voting rights

Can be re-purchased below par

Cannot produce dividends
Term
What is a stock subscription and what is required for it to be valid?
Definition
An offer to buy shares of stock

Must be accepted by corporation to be valid

Offer cannot be revoked for 6 months

Subscriber becomes liable once accepted
Term
When is a corporation liable for torts by employees?
Definition
If committed within the normal scope of the employee's job

Even if they were disobeying orders

Per respondeat superior
Term
What are the key aspects of a corporate officer?
Definition
Appointed by the Board of Directors

Act as Agents

Owe a fiduciary duty to the corporation

Can have legal fees paid by corporation for defense in lawsuit brought on them from carrying out their normal duties (exception- suit brought against officers by shareholders)
Term
What are the key aspects of a corporation's board of directors (BOD)?
Definition
Elected by shareholders

Owe fiduciary duty to corporation

Must act in good faith to avoid being liable for bad judgment

Good faith is NOT a defense for negligence
Term
What is Ultra Vires?
Definition
Corporation management acting beyond what the Articles of Incorporation allow

Shareholders can sue for Ultra Vires
Term
When is inspecting Board minutes the right of a shareholder?
Definition
Shareholders can inspect Board minutes and records only if request is in good faith
Term
Who must approve mergers and consolidations?
Definition
Boards must approve

Shareholders must approve by Majority

Disapproving shareholders can get an appraisal and get their stock back at current market price

Merger does NOT need creditor approval
Term
What characterizes a Professional Corporation?
Definition
Shares owned only by licensed professionals (CPAs; attorneys; etc.)

Limited Liability for debts

Personal Liability for negligence
Term
Who can and cannot own an S-Corporation?
Definition
CAN be owned by Estates; Trusts; and Individuals

CANNOT be owned by a C-Corporation
Term
What is the primary advantage of an S-Corporation?
Definition
Avoidance of Double Taxation
Term
What are the disadvantages of an S-Corporation?
Definition
No more than 100 shareholders allowed

One class of stock allowed

Shareholders must be US Citizens/Residents
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