Limited Liability Partnership

The Partners of the LLP have limited liability. The liability of the partners is limited to the contributions made by them. This means that they are likable to pay only the amount of contribution made by them and are not personally liable for any loss in the business. If an LLP become insolvent at the time of winding up, only the LLP assets are liable for clearing its debts. The partners have no personal liabilities, and thus they are free to operate as credible businessmen.

Process of Registration as New LLP

Registering for an LLP is a relatively easy process that can be summed up in simple steps as mentioned below:

Step 1: Getting Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

The first step towards registering LLP is to acquire the digital signatures of all the designated partners of the LLP. A digital signature is required since the LLP’s documents are filed online. These documents carry digital signatures that further helps in obtaining certificate.

Digital signatures required can be obtained from certified government agencies, such as National Informatics Center, IDRBT Certifying Authority, E-MUDHRA, CDAC and NSDL. The cost of acquiring a DSC will be according to the certifying agency that the applicant has applied for.

Step 2: Reserving the Name

To register a proposed LLP, the applicant needs to get a Limited Liability Partnership-Reserve Unique Name (LLP-RUN) that can be processed at the Central Registration Centre. However, before citing or quoting the name, it is always advisable to check from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal for a free name. This will provide a list of companies with the same or similar names to a proposed LLP. Once the name has been chosen, the registrar will approve the name that is not very similar to any existing LLP. The LLP-RUN will need to be submitted along with a fee that will then proceed for the approval of the registrar.

Step 3: Incorporation of LLP

Form for incorporation of Limited Liability Partnership (FiLLiP) is required to be filled and submitted with the registrar for incorporation of LLP. Fees has to be paid as per Annexure ‘A’. Application for allotment shall be permitted to be made by 2 individuals only.

Step 4: File Limited Liability Partnership Agreement

This agreement governs the mutual rights and duties amongst the partners. The agreement can be filed in form 3 online on MCA Portal. From the date of incorporation, Form 3 for LLP agreement has to be filed within 30 days. LLP Agreement has to be printed on Stamp Paper, wherein every state has their different stamp paper.

It takes approximately 15 days to get DSC and Form 3, subject to availability of all the documents.