PARTNERSHIPS

Partnerships are a popular business structure for many entrepreneurs due to their flexibility and tax benefits. However, partnership taxation can be complex and confusing for those who are new to the structure. In this blog post, we'll provide an overview of the basics of partnership taxation from a legal perspective.

What is a Partnership?
A partnership is a business entity formed by two or more people who share the profits and losses of the business. There are several types of partnerships, including general partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships. Each type has its own set of rules and regulations regarding taxation.

Taxation of Partnerships
Partnerships are pass-through entities, which means that the profits and losses of the business are passed through to the partners' personal tax returns. The partnership itself does not pay income taxes on its profits.
Instead, the partnership files an information return, Form 1065, with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This form reports the partnership's income, deductions, and credits for the tax year. The partners then use this information to report their share of the partnership's income on their personal tax returns.

Allocating Profits and Losses
Partnerships must allocate profits and losses among the partners according to the partnership agreement. The partnership agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of the partnership, including how profits and losses will be allocated.
If the partnership agreement does not specify how profits and losses will be allocated, they are divided equally among the partners.

Distributions
Partnerships can distribute profits to partners in the form of cash or other property. These distributions are not taxable income to the partners, but they can affect the partners' basis in the partnership.
A partner's basis in the partnership is the amount of money or property they have invested in the business. The basis is important because it affects the partner's tax liability when they receive distributions or when they sell their partnership interest.

Self-Employment Taxes
Partners are considered self-employed for tax purposes, which means they are responsible for paying self-employment taxes on their share of the partnership's income. Self-employment taxes consist of Social Security and Medicare taxes.

Conclusion
Partnership taxation can be complex, but understanding the basics is essential for partners to properly report their income and avoid penalties from the IRS. It's important to consult with a tax professional or attorney who specializes in partnership taxation to ensure compliance with all legal requirements.