Preparing Your Business for Compliance with the Corporate Transparency Act
Strategic Preparation for the Corporate Transparency Act: A Business Guide
On January 1, 2021, the U.S. government introduced the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) to thwart money laundering, funding of terrorism, and other illegal activities. This act mandates that all U.S. business entities categorized as “reporting companies” must disclose beneficial ownership details to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a part of the Department of Treasury, starting in 2024.
Key Deadlines for Reporting Companies
New reporting companies, established on or after January 1, 2024, are obligated to gather and submit comprehensive information from each beneficial owner and reporting applicant within 30 days of their formation. Existing businesses, established before 2024, are required to comply with these reporting standards by no later than January 1, 2025. This legislative measure aims to foster transparency and affects a broad spectrum of businesses, potentially creating new regulatory challenges.
Reporting Companies and Their Exemptions in the CTA
The term “reporting company” under the CTA includes many types of businesses. It means any entity registered with a state or similar authority. This includes companies organized under State laws or those of Indian Tribes, such as Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), S and C corporations, limited partnerships, and others. However, there are some exemptions, primarily covering entities already mandated to disclose ownership information to governmental bodies, like banks, insurance companies, public utilities, and certain large corporations.
Reporting Requirements to FinCEN
Under the CTA, companies must report key information about two main groups: beneficial owners and company applicants. For entities formed before January 1, 2024, the focus is solely on beneficial owners. The required information includes:
- Legal full name
- Date of birth
- A copy of a valid photo ID
- Residential address
Identifying Beneficial Owners in Company Ownership
A beneficial owner in this context is someone who either holds substantial control over the company or owns at least 25% of the company’s interests, either directly or indirectly. This includes:
- Individuals with significant ownership stakes.
- Executive officers (CEO, CFO, COO).
- Managers with major decision-making authority.
- Trustees manage trusts with substantial company control.
- Individuals with power over senior management appointments.
Identifying Company Applicants
Company applicants are those who initiate the formation of a reporting company by filing necessary documents with state or tribal authorities. This includes:
- Individuals directly applying to establish a company.
- Agents or lawyers acting on behalf of others in setting up a company.
- Individuals are responsible for filing documents in case of significant changes to an existing entity.
Updating Reports with FinCEN
Companies must update their reports within 30 days in case of changes in beneficial owners or company applicants. Inaccuracies discovered in filed reports should be corrected within 30 days of acknowledgment.
Privacy & Security of Information with FinCEN
FinCEN maintains strict confidentiality of submitted data. However, access may be granted to federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and specific Treasury Department personnel, under stringent privacy and security protocols.
Consequences of Noncompliance
Failing to comply with the CTA, especially in cases of willful misinformation or non-disclosure, can lead to significant penalties, including daily fines and potential criminal charges. However, voluntary and timely correction of errors can mitigate these penalties.
Filing Reports with FinCEN
Starting January 1, 2024, FinCEN will initiate a new electronic filing system for company reports. It’s crucial to note that reports filed before this date won’t be accepted, marking a significant change in reporting processes.
Seek Professional Legal Assistance
For complex tax-related issues, consider consulting with experienced tax attorneys. Our team at Corporate Transparency Act Filing Services, offers expert guidance and legal assistance in tax litigation, ensuring peace of mind for your business’s compliance needs.
Schedule a consultation with our Arizona tax attorneys to navigate your tax challenges effectively.
Corporate Transparency Act Filing Services
Email: lchapman@silverlawplc.com
Website: www.corporatetransparencylawyers.com
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