What is a Proprietorship?
A proprietorship/sole trading firm is a business that is owned and run by an individual person. The owner and the business are treated one and same. Proprietor is personally liable for all business debts i.e his personal property may also be used to repay business debts.
Proprietorships are not regulated by any particular Act, hence there is no registration. Every buiness needs registration under Shop & Establishment Act whether it is providing a service or dealing in goods. Other registrations such as GST etc depend upon nature of product/service.
Who can start a Sole Proprietorship?
Any Indian citizen with a current account in the name of his/her business can start a sole proprietorship. Registration may or may not be required, depending on the type of business that is planned to be established. However, to open a current account, banks typically require a Shops & Establishments Registration.
How long does it take to establish a business with Sole Proprietorship?
A Sole Proprietorship business does not take more than 15 days to set-up and start functioning. This simplicity makes it popular among small traders and merchants. It's also much cheaper, of course. This is the other reason why it's the most widely used business structure.
What businesses are commonly run as Sole Proprietorships?
Most local businesses are run as sole proprietorships, from grocery stores to fast-food vendors, and even small traders and manufacturers. That is not to say that larger businesses cannot operate as sole proprietorships, they can! Jewellery shops are sole proprietors, but it is not recommended
Aside from a current account, is there no need for any other registration?
This depends on the business you're in. It is compulsory for any business whose turnover in a financial year exceeds Rs 20 lakhs (Rs 10 lakhs in the case of North Eastern states) to get a GST registration. For businesses that are involved in selling goods or services to customers out of a commercial establishment, it is mandatory to register under Shops and Establishments Act
Is it cheaper to run an LLP than a private limited company?
Yes, it is much cheaper to run an LLP than a private limited company. Mostly because compliances, such as an audit, apply to LLPs only after their turnover is sizeable. Most LLPs spend about half as much as a private limited companies, in their first year on registrations and
compliance work.
What if I wish to convert from Sole Proprietorship to Private Limited Company or Partnership?
The procedure involved is a little tedious, but it is possible. It is very common for sole proprietors to convert into partnerships or private limited companies at a later stage of their businesses.
What if I wish to convert from Sole Proprietorship to Private Limited Company or Partnership?
What is the objective of the Shops & Establishments Act?
What is the objective of the Shops & Establishments Act?
Every Indian state has enacted certain rules and regulations with regard to conditions of work. The objective is to secure uniform benefits for employees working in different establishments, from shops, commercial establishments and residential hotels to restaurants, theatres and other places of public amusement or entertainment.
What is the objective of the Shops & Establishments Act?
Every Indian state has enacted certain rules and regulations with regard to conditions of work. The objective is to secure uniform benefits for employees working in different establishments, from shops, commercial establishments and residential hotels to restaurants, theatres and other places of public amusement or entertainment.
When is a Shops and Establishments Act license required?
Every shop and establishment needs to register itself compulsorily under this Act within 30 days of commencement of work. As this is such a basic license, many other licenses require this as proof of a commercial business. For example, most banks will require you to furnish it if you want to open a current account.
What are the records to be maintained under the Shops and Establishment Act?
Under the Shop and Establishment Act, every business has to seek approval from Department of Labour and keep up-to-date registers regarding details of employment, fines, deductions and advances, salary and holidays. The requirements may vary from state to state. Files related to annual holidays and number of employees need to be submitted to the office of the Municipal Corporation annually
