December 10, 2024
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes.
While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties.
However, filing your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report will help you avoid fines if this injunction is overruled. Business owners seeking assistance in BOI reporting can lean into the services of ZenBusiness.
1. Determine if Your Business Must File.
A ‘reporting company’ is any small business, corporation, or LLC that is registered with the state, unless exempt. Exemptions apply to publicly traded companies, banks, and charities. For example, a local tech startup in Fort Worth, TX would likely need to file a BOI report.
2. Identify Your Beneficial Owners.
A “beneficial owner” is someone who either has substantial control over a company or owns at least 25% of it. For instance, in Fort Worth, a co-owner of a travel agency who holds a 40% stake and makes pivotal operational decisions is considered a beneficial owner.
3. Gather the Required Information.
Prepare:
-
Business name, address, and EIN.
-
Beneficial owners’ names, addresses, DOBs, and ID details.
4. File Your BOI Report.
Deadlines:
-
Existing businesses: File by 01/01/2025.
-
New companies (2024): File within 90 days of formation.
-
New companies (2025+): File within 30 days of formation.
ZenBusiness helps business owners make BOI reporting simple, providing accurate guidance to ensure compliance with FinCEN requirements.
Additional Resources:
We want to hear from you!
We value your feedback! Please complete our BOI survey by December 18, 2024, and for every 25 responses, our Chamber will receive a $100 donation! Take the survey here! Thank you for your support!
