The limited liabilitylimited partnership is a relatively new modification of the limited partnership. The LLLP form of business entity is recognized under United States commercial law. An LLLP is a limited partnership, and it consists of one or more general partners who are liable for the obligations of the entity, as well as or more protected-liability limited partners. Typically, general partners manage the LLLP, while the limited partners' interest is purely financial. Thus, the most common use of limited partnership is for purposes of investment.
LLLP versus LP
The essential distinction between older LLP and newer LLLP is that the latter allows liability transfer from the general partner's for debts and obligations of the limited partnership. In a traditional limited partnership the general partners are jointly and severally liable for its debts and obligations; limited partners are not liable for those debts and obligations beyond the amount of their capital contributions. In an LLLP, by having the limited partnership make an election under state law, the general partners are afforded limited liability for the debts and obligations of the limited partnership that arise during the period that the LLLP election is in place. Certain LLLP elections take the form of a limited partnership electing to be a limited liability partnership while in other states the election is made in the certificate of limited partnership. Most states require that an LLLP identify itself in its name, but those requirements are not universal. Because the LLLP is so new, its use is not widespread. See list below: several states have adopted statutes that allow formation of an LLLP, usually as a conversion of an existing limited partnership. The filing fees of an LLLP vs. a limited partnership are at times higher. In the case of Nevada, the Secretary of State charges $75 to register a limited partnership and $100 to register an LLLP. Additionally, the initial and annual report filing for an LLLP in Nevada is $175 vs. $125 for a limited partnership. Conversely, in Kentucky the filing fee for a limited partnership is no higher if the partnership elects to be an LLLP. LLLPs are most common in the real estate business, although other businesses can also use the form, for example, CNN. There are significant questions about whether the limited liability provided to general partners by the LLLP election will be effective in states that do not have an LLLP statute.
Though California does not have a state statute allowing formation of an LLLP, it does recognize LLLPs formed under the laws of another state. While registering an LLLP formed in another state in California will trigger the annual franchise tax of $800—the same as other entities formed in California—the statute governing whether a LLLP must register is somewhat less inclusive than the statute for out-of-state LLCs. Illinois, though not having an enabling statute, does allow formation of an LLLP under RULPA.
