Creating a partnership - what is the single entity?
<p>Question: Where or whom do I register the 'name' of a general partnership with?</p>

<p>I have read that a general partnership doesn't <em>need</em> to have any legally binding (state/federal) document stating the owners/location/name etc. (although most references signify a need for a contract between the two partners). I have also read that there needs to be a potential registration with a state (in the form of 'registering the business' or 'registering the name').</p>

<p>This is all in addition to creating an EIN which seemed fairly straightforward.</p>

<p>But as I understand it, all assets/liabilities pass through to the owners anyways so there doesn't have a be a legal entity necessarily in control.</p>

<p>Basically, when I read the following </p>

<pre><code>If you co-own the content with other individuals,
you must form a legal entity to own and receive payments for your content.
</code></pre>

<p>And am asked to provide</p>

<pre><code>Company Legal Name (As written on bank documents)
</code></pre>

<p>Does that mean something more than just creating a joint bank account &amp; getting an EIN? Such as some sort of official registration?</p>

<p>More info:
Wisconsin, United States - 
Software Publishing electronically </p>

<p>Thanks in advance for any help. </p>

<p>Legal entities can have many forms, purposes, and requirements.  Most of the requirements are pushed on you, but (see the end) you usually have to go looking for state requirements to ensure the entity is fully compliant.</p>

<p>It appears that you are being asked by a counterparty "to form a legal entity to own content and receive payment."  In the U.S. you need an EIN to receive payments.  The letter you received from the IRS with your EIN should point you to guidance on federal tax filing requirements associated with that EIN.</p>

<p>The counterparty may also ask that the entity provide a bank account to receive payments, in which case you have to satisfy a bank's requirements for doing so, which typically include presenting some sort of partnership/operating agreement that satisfies <em>them</em>.</p>

<p>If the counterparty requests evidence that the legal entity "owns content" then you may have to provide an operating agreement and intellectual property assignment documents to satisfy <em>them</em> &ndash; it's up to them what they will demand to engage in commerce with an entity.</p>

<p>Finally, having formed an entity, state governments with any nexus to the entity (e.g., where its members reside or where it conducts business) may impose requirements.  <a href="https://www.revenue.wi.gov/faqs/ise/pship.html" rel="nofollow">In the case of Wisconsin a partnership <em>may</em> be required to file taxes</a>, and it <a href="https://www.revenue.wi.gov/faqs/ise/pship.html#ps8" rel="nofollow"><em>may</em> be required to obtain business permits</a>.</p>

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