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Limited Liability Companies
Limited Liability Companies were introduced by the Limited Liability Companies
Act 1996. A Limited Liability Company (LLC) must have at least two members
whose liability is limited to the extent of the
capital they contribute to the company. Profits are divided among the
members and are taxed in their hands, as for a partnership. An LLC does
not have directors or a secretary, but it must have a registered agent
on the island. The life of an LLC is limited to thirty years. LLCs are
governed by articles of organisation and not memorandum and articles of
association.
International Companies
The International Company (IC) was introduced by the International Business
Act 1994. In effect this form broadens the concept of the exempt company.
IC status can be acquired by a Manx-registered company (including public
companies and limited liability companies) or by a foreign company registered
on the island. International Companies are excluded from the same activities
on the island as exempt companies (see above). The income and receipts
of an IC (other than local bank deposit or approved investment income)
have to be derived from outside the island, or from dealings with other
ICs. An IC must have a resident director and secretary (or agent in the
case of a Limited Liability Company). The International Company legislation
is particularly aimed at helping finance sector companies. The rates of
tax payable are negotiated between the company and the Manx authorities. As with exempt companies, the status of International
Company has to be applied for each year.
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