Acquiring a New Zealand Ltd company limits the buyer’s personal liability to their investment and involves corporate tax on profits, while a partnership exposes owners to joint liability and taxes are paid at the partners’ personal rates. Ltd companies offer easier transfer of ownership, whereas partnerships may require renegotiation of partner agreements.

When buying a business in New Zealand, the structure really changes the legal and tax picture, and it can feel like choosing between two very different paths. Acquiring a Limited Company (Ltd) gives you the comfort of limited liability, so your personal assets are generally protected if things go wrong, and the company pays corporate tax on profits. In contrast, a Partnership offers simpler setup and more direct profit flow, but partners have unlimited personal liability and pay tax personally on their share of income, which can be riskier. Understanding these differences upfront helps you choose a structure that balances protection, flexibility, and tax efficiency, so you can sleep at night knowing your investment is safeguarded.