Last Updated July 3, 2024
What is a Partnership Agreement?
A Partnership Agreement, sometimes called a business partnership contract or general partnership agreement, is a contract used to govern a business relationship between two or more individuals (or corporations) working together.
The partnership contract defines the agreed-upon terms and conditions of the business venture, usually with provisions concerning capital contributions, financial reporting, and the various responsibilities of each partner.
A partnership is not a separate legal entity (like a company) but must have a tax file number (TFN) and submit a tax return. Each of the partners is taxed separately on their share of the profits.
A partnership is entitled to an Australian business number (ABN) if it is carrying on an enterprise in Australia (e.g. running a business for profit that comes within the definition of enterprise in the GST Act).
LawDepot's Partnership Agreement is customisable for the following Australian states and territories:
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- New South Wales (NSW)
- Northern Territory (NT)
- Queensland (QLD)
- South Australia (SA)
- Tasmania (TAS)
- Victoria (VIC)
- Western Australia (WA)
Why do I need a written Partnership Agreement?
Having a Partnership Agreement in writing, rather than making an oral agreement sealed by a handshake, can help prevent possible disputes that may arise by having clearly stated expectations, responsibilities, and rights of each partner in the contract.
Each of the Australian states and territories has its own Partnership Act, the provisions of which, unless differentiated or negated by a partnership contract, can land the partners in unexpected situations.
For example, unless otherwise stated in a Partnership Agreement, the following would typically apply under state or territorial legislation:
- All partners would have equal authority to bind the partnership in a work contract with another individual or group
- All partners are entitled to share equally in the profits of the business
- No partner can be expelled from the partnership
- The retirement of a partner leads to the automatic dissolution of the entire partnership
These provisions might not suit every modern partnership, so it is crucial to define the rules for your partnership with a written agreement. LawDepot's questionnaire addresses each of the above questions so you can customise your agreement to suit your specific partnership needs.
What is included in a Partnership Agreement?
LawDepot's Partnership Agreement includes:
- Partnership details, including names of the partnership and partners, capital contributions of each partner, and a description of how profits and losses are shared among them
- The rights and obligations of the partners, including voting rights, withdrawal notice, non-compete stipulations, and partnership dissolution details
- Compensation and accounting details, including additional compensation for partners (if applicable) and annual report requirements
- Management terms, including who will manage the day-to-day affairs of the partnership (all partners or a managing partner), who will have contract signing authority for the partnership, as well as meeting and voting details
- Signing details, including the date the agreement is to be signed and whether witness signatures will be required
You can also choose to include terms about specific circumstances that might require the partners' unanimous consent (rather than the sole consent of a managing partner) to protect the interests of all partners.
These situations include, but are not limited to:
- Who can sign company cheques
- Hiring and firing employees
- Assuming new debts and expenses over a certain amount