01. What are the registration formalities relating to LLPs?
LLPs shall be registered with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) (appointed under the Companies Act, 2013) after following the provisions specified in the LLP Act. Every LLP shall have a registered office. An Incorporation Document subscribed by at least two partners shall have to be delivered to the Registrar in a prescribed form.
02. What are the broad provisions of the Act in respect of names of LLPs?
Every limited liability partnership shall have either the words “limited liability partnership” or the acronym “LLP” as the last words of its name. LLPs would not be given names, which, in the opinion of the Central Government, are undesirable. Registrar would be under obligation to follow such rules, which would be framed by the Central Government in connection with allotting names to LLPs.
It has been provided in the Act that a document may be served on a LLP or a partner or designated partner by sending it by post or by any other mode (to be prescribed under Rules) at the registered office and any other address specifically declared by the LLP for the purpose in such form and manner as may be prescribed (in the rules).
Yes. The LLP Act contains enabling provisions pursuant to which a firm (set up under Indian Partnership Act, 1932) and private company or unlisted public company (incorporated under Companies Act) would be able to convert themselves into LLPs. Provisions of clause 58 and Schedule II to Schedule IV to the Act provide procedure in this regard.
05. Whether LLP would be able to convert itself into company under the Companies Act, 2013?
This would not be allowed under LLP Act. However, enabling provisions would be required to be made in the Companies Act for such conversion. Necessary action in this regard would be taken when Companies Act would be revised.
The Act does not contain any provision for treatment of stamp duty issues either on incorporation of an LLP or on conversion of other entities into LLP since this is a subject reserved for the States. This, however, is an important issue from the point of view of making the LLP structure more attractive.
It has been provided in the Act that on conversion of a firm/private company/unlisted public company into LLP, any approval, permit or licence issued to the firm/private company/unlisted company under any other Act shall, subject to the provisions of such other Act under which such approval, permit or licence was issued, be transferred in the name of converted entity viz LLP.
08. Whether two LLPs would be allowed to merge?
Provisions of clauses 60 to 62 of the Act provide for the manner in which compromises or arrangements including mergers and amalgamations involving LLPs shall be allowed.
09. What would be the provisions in respect of winding- up of LLPs?
It is proposed to provide the provisions and procedures required to be complied with when the affairs of an LLP are to be wound-up and dissolved, by enabling the Central Government to make rules under the LLP Act, 2008.
The Act empowers Registrars to strike off names of LLPs which are not carrying on any business or operation. They will be under obligation to give an opportunity of being heard to LLP concerned. Details for manner of striking off would be prescribed through rules.