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A partnership is a business structure that involves a number of people who carry on a business together. You may choose a partnership over a sole trader structure for example, if you'll be jointly running the business with another person or a number of people (up to 20). There are two types of partnerships - general and limited. Partnerships are governed by the relevant law depending on your state or territory:

Key aspects of a partnership structure

It's relatively easy and inexpensive to set up.

It requires a separate Tax File Number (TFN).

If you are carrying on an enterprise, you can apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN) but this is not compulsory.

It's not a separate entity - like a sole trader, you and your business partners are personally liable for the debts of the business.

You have shared control and management of the business with your partners.

The partnership doesn't pay income tax on the income earned. You and each of your partners pay tax on the share of the net partnership income you each receive.

Requires a partnership tax return to be lodged with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) each year.

Each partner is responsible for their own superannuation arrangements - you are not an employee of the partnership.

You must be registered for GST if the annual income turnover is $75,000 or more.

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A partnership is a business structure that involves a number of people who carry on a business together. You may choose a partnership over a sole trader structure for example, if you'll be jointly running the business with another person or a number of people (up to 20).

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A company is a type of business structure. You may consider a company structure when starting or growing your business.

A company is a separate legal entity, unlike a sole trader or a partnership structure. This means the company has the same rights as a natural person and can incur debt, sue and be sued. The company's owners (the shareholders) can limit their personal liability and are generally not liable for company debts.

A company is a complex business structure, with higher set-up and administrative costs because of additional reporting requirements.

You need to register a company with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Company officers and directors must comply with legal obligations under the Corporations Act 2001.

Key aspects of a company structure

Is a separate legal entity.

Has limited liability compared to other structures.

Is a more complex business structure to start and run.

Involves higher set up and running costs than other structures.

Requires you to understand and comply with all obligations under the Corporations Act 2001.

Means that business operations are controlled by directors and owned by the shareholders.

Must be registered for goods and services tax (GST) if the annual GST turnover is $75,000 or more. The registration threshold for non-profit organisations is $150,000.

Means the money the business earns belongs to the company.

Requires an annual company tax return to be lodged with the ATO.

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A company is a type of business structure. You may consider a company structure when starting or growing your business. A company is a separate legal entity, unlike a sole trader or a partnership structure. This means the company has the same rights as a natural person and can incur debt, sue and be sued.

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A sole trader business structure is a person trading as the individual legally responsible for all aspects of the business. This includes any debts and losses, which can't be shared with others. This is the simplest, and relatively inexpensive business structure that you can choose when starting a business in Australia. As a sole trader, you'll generally make all the decisions about starting and running your business, although you can employ people to help you.

Key aspects of a sole trader structure

Is simple to set up and operate.

Gives you full control of your assets and business decisions.

Requires fewer reporting requirements and is generally a low-cost structure.

Allows you to use your individual Tax File Number (TFN) to lodge tax returns.

Has unlimited liability - all your personal assets are at risk if things go wrong. Your assets can be seized to recover a debt.

Any losses incurred by your business activities may be offset against other income earned (such as your investment income or wages), subject to certain conditions.

Doesn't require a separate business bank account, unlike a company structure. You can use your personal bank account but must keep financial records for at least 5 years.

As the business owner, you're not considered an 'employee' of the business. You should pay yourself, which is usually a distribution of your profit, but this is not considered 'wages' for tax purposes.

If you're a business owner without employees, there's no obligation to pay payroll tax, superannuation contributions or workers' compensation insurance on income you draw from the business. You can choose to make voluntary superannuation contributions to yourself though, to help you build up your superannuation.

You can employ people to help you run your business. There are compulsory obligations that you must comply with, such as workers' compensation insurance and superannuation contributions.

It's relatively easy to change your business structure if the business grows, or if you wish to wind things up and close your business.

You can't split business profits or losses made with family members and you're personally liable to pay tax on all the income derived.

Before deciding on your business structure, it is important to seek professional advice from a business adviser, solicitor or accountant to ensure the structure you choose meets your personal circumstances and business objectives. Find a low-cost business adviser near you in our Advisory Services search tool.
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A sole trader business structure is a person trading as the individual legally responsible for all aspects of the business. This includes any debts and losses, which can't be shared with others. This is the simplest, and relatively inexpensive business structure that you can choose when starting a business in Australia.

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Types of legal business structures - Year 11 VCE Business Management - AOS3

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When you start a business, it's very important to choose the business structure that best suits your needs. Your structure may change as your business grows.