What are the liabilities of a silent partner?

Because of the nature of their interest in a business, silent partners have limited liability that extends only up to the amount of capital they invest in the business.

A silent partner contributes capital to a business in return for an interest in profits generated by the business. A silent partner is "silent" in that they are not involved in managing the business and have no authority to act on behalf of the business. The primary benefits of being a silent partner is the ability to earn investment returns with limited involvement and being in a position of limited liability for any financial obligations of the business.

When a business partnership is formed, the various partners make varying capital and asset contributions. The partnership agreement includes the values of each partner's initial capital contributions. Silent partners are simply investors in the business. Their position as a silent partner accords them the right to review the company's financial statements and to have a voice in decisions that affect changes to the nature or existence of the partnership.

Silent partners seek to generate passive investment income by contributing capital to a business, and thereby gain an interest in any profits the business makes. Silent partners are much like venture capitalists who look to profit from investing in a number of businesses. However, unlike venture capitalists, silent partners seek a much less active role in their investments.

Silent partners are most often involved with limited partnerships or limited liability companies (LLC) as opposed to general partnerships. Although state regulations can vary regarding silent partners, their relationship with the business and their potential liability, silent partners are commonly protected from unlimited personal liability for any debts or obligations of the partnership business. Silent partner liability usually does not extend beyond the amount of their capital investment.