A division of profits is the mechanism by which the profits of an LLP become a debt due to members. A division may be automatic or discretionary, may relate to some or all of the profits for a financial period and may take place during or after the end of a financial period.
An automatic division of profits is one where the LLP does not have an unconditional right to avoid making a division of an amount of profits based on the members' agreement in force at the time, whereas a discretionary division of profits requires a decision to be made by the LLP, which it has the unconditional right to avoid making.
The LLP divides profits automatically. Automatic divisions of profits are recognised as 'Members' remuneration charged as an expense' inthe Statement of comprehensive income. In the event of the LLP making losses, the loss is recognised as a credit amount of 'Members' remuneration charged as an expense' where it is automatically divided or as a debit within equity under 'Other reserves' if not divided automatically.