In: Accounting
Identify five (5) characteristics that distinguish a corporation from proprietorships and partnerships
Solution:
Basis | Proprietorships | Partnership | Corporation |
Constitution / composition | An individual doing his own business | Two or more people doing business for profit | A legal entity separate from its members in eyes of law. The company is treated as a legal person with perpetual succession |
Owner called as | Sole Proprietor | Individual members known as partners and collectively known as a firm. |
Common stockholder Or Shareholder |
Management |
The sole proprietor owns and manages the business himself | Partners are agents of the partnership and are generally entitled to manage the partnership firm | Company members are not its managers (directors) or agents. Note: In the case of closely held Company the members are owners and directors also. |
Liability | Unlimited | Unlimited | Limited up to fully paid value of the share held. |
Dissolution | Can be dissolved informally | Can be dissolved informally |
A formal procedure is required to follow as companies act to end the life of company. |