This New Law Will Impact Small Business Owners As Government Targets Financial Crimes

Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, the Corporate Transparency Act is set to impact numerous small business owners, aiming to combat money laundering, tax fraud, and terrorism financing. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the legislation requires certain companies to fill out a Beneficial Ownership Information report and submit it to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

The BOI report necessitates information on individuals exercising “substantial control” over a reporting company or owning/controlling at least 25% of its “ownership interests,” as outlined in a compliance document by FinCEN, AfroTech reports. Domestic and foreign reporting companies must adhere to these regulations, while 23 specific entity types are exempt.

For companies established before Jan. 1, 2024, the initial report deadline extends to Jan. 1, 2025. Conversely, entities formed on or after this date must provide their information within 30 days of the creation’s effective notice or the secretary of state’s initial public notice.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce outlines the mandatory details reporting companies must provide, including legal name, trademarks, current U.S. address, taxpayer identification number, and jurisdiction of establishment or registration. Failure to comply with the report submission can result in civil and criminal penalties.

Under the new law, individuals must provide personal information for reporting a business that was created or registered on or after Jan. 1, 2024. While individuals can fill out the report independently, the option becomes available from Jan. 1, 2024. Despite the autonomy, experts recommend seeking guidance from an advisor, attorney, or accountant to ensure adherence to FinCEN standards.

Roger Harris, president of Padgett Business Services, expressed concerns about the potential oversight by small business owners due to the law’s additional administrative burden. He suggested seeking legal counsel for any ambiguous aspects of the law to ensure compliance. Harris stated, “There are some issues in the law that could require an interpretation of certain facts to determine who is a beneficial owner that must be included in the filings.”

The CTA reflects a broader governmental effort to enhance financial transparency and accountability, requiring businesses to navigate new compliance measures in the year ahead.

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