There are a multitude of combinations of business entities (structures) that are currently used to carry on primary production operations. This presentation critically evaluates the desirable and less desirable aspects of particular business structures (entities) and provides guidance in the form of key considerations to evaluate when selecting or restructuring a business structure. Topics covered include:
- Identifying an entity to hold real property and other business assets on a long term basis so that they can transition through the generations and remain available to the commercial activities
- Identifying an entity that can carry on the primary production trading activities providing returns to each party commensurate with their contribution while having some income distribution flexibility
- Ensuring that access to sufficient long term and working capital is available to fund the acquisition of land and business operations and that the tax benefit of interest deductions is maximised
- Identifying a structure that provides individual members of a family group the opportunity to have some individual responsibility or autonomy while ensuring that there is access to common resources including common plant and equipment; and
- Providing long term strategic guidance to “Mum and Dad” on succession planning and business development issues including managing family member expectations.