Financial Accounting I

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Unlimited liability

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Financial Accounting I

Definition

Unlimited liability means that business owners are personally responsible for all the debts and obligations of their business. In a partnership, each partner can be held liable for the entire amount of business debt, not just their share.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. In a general partnership, all partners have unlimited liability.
  2. Unlimited liability can lead to personal asset risk if the business cannot cover its debts.
  3. This type of liability is a significant disadvantage of organizing as a partnership.
  4. Limited partnerships can offer some partners limited liability while others retain unlimited liability.
  5. Creditors can pursue personal assets of any or all partners to satisfy business debts.

Review Questions

  • What does unlimited liability entail for business owners?
  • How does unlimited liability pose a risk to personal assets?
  • Why is unlimited liability considered a disadvantage in a partnership?
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