WASHINGTON STATUTES AND CODES

25.05.055 - Formation of partnership.

Formation of partnership.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (2) of this section, the association of two or more persons to carry on as co-owners a business for profit forms a partnership, whether or not the persons intend to form a partnership.

     (2) An association formed under a statute other than this chapter, a predecessor statute, or a comparable statute of another jurisdiction is not a partnership under this chapter.

     (3) In determining whether a partnership is formed, the following rules apply:

     (a) Joint tenancy, tenancy in common, tenancy by the entireties, joint property, common property, or part ownership does not by itself establish a partnership, even if the co-owners share profits made by the use of the property;

     (b) The sharing of gross returns does not by itself establish a partnership, even if the persons sharing them have a joint or common right or interest in property from which the returns are derived; and

     (c) A person who receives a share of the profits of a business is presumed to be a partner in the business, unless the profits were received in payment:

     (i) Of a debt by installments or otherwise;

     (ii) For services as an independent contractor or of wages or other compensation to an employee;

     (iii) Of rent;

     (iv) Of an annuity or other retirement or health benefit to a beneficiary, representative, or designee of a deceased or retired partner;

     (v) Of interest or other charge on a loan, even if the amount of payment varies with the profits of the business, including a direct or indirect present or future ownership of the collateral, or rights to income, proceeds, or increase in value derived from the collateral; or

     (vi) For the sale of the goodwill of a business or other property by installments or otherwise.