Which Form Exposes Each Partner to Personal Liability for Debts and Obligations?

• A. General Partnership
• B. Sole Proprietorship
• C. Limited Partnership
• D. Corporation

Answer: (A)

In a general partnership, all partners share management and profits, and each partner is personally liable for the debts and obligations of the business. This means creditors can pursue any partner’s personal assets to satisfy partnership debts, and one partner can be responsible for the full amount of obligations even if others cannot contribute. This broad personal liability is often described as joint and several liability.

In contrast, other forms reduce or limit personal liability. A sole proprietorship also has personal liability for the owner, but there’s only one owner. A limited partnership includes general partners with personal liability, but limited partners are protected beyond their investment. A corporation generally shields owners and managers from personal liability, with liability limited to the corporation itself.

So, the form where each partner faces personal liability for debts and obligations is the general partnership.