Beneficial Ownership Reporting

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New Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements

As a means of fighting financial crime, the federal government will collect the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) of businesses directly.

Continue reading below to learn more about what Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) is and how this change may affect your business.

Why is the Federal Government Collecting Data?

As part of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, the Corporate Transparency Act has authorized the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to collect identifying information from certain types of businesses in the U.S.

The purpose of submitting BOI directly at the federal level is to help the government fight crime by limiting opportunities for individuals looking to perform illegal activity using illicit or shell businesses.

What is Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI)?

BOI refers to identifying details about individuals who directly or indirectly own at least 25% of a company.

Direct or indirect ownership can refer to shares of stock or equity in the business.

Individuals who control an organization — via substantial control, for instance — are required to report their influence in the business as well. Substantial control includes individuals who influence or direct important decisions, including senior officers. 

What information is reported?

Reporting Company Details     

  • Entity’s legal name
  • Any “doing business as” (DBA) information
  • Federal Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
  • Primary street address of business
  • State of formation
  • BOI filing type: initial submission, update, or correction of filing

Individual Owner Details

  • Owner name(s)
  • Date(s) of birth 
  • Residential or business address
  • ID Number from Identification Document (Ex: Driver’s License, Passport, State ID, etc.)
  • Scanned copy of ID document

What if I have already filed – do I need to re-file?

  • BOI reports will require an update when there is a change in ownership, a change in controlling party, a change in previously reported information, or when there is an inaccuracy discovered.
  • Updated reports are due within 30 calendar days after a change in ownership or controlling party, and corrected reports are due within 30 calendar days after the company becomes aware of an error. 

Who is required to file BOI?

  • Domestic corporations
  • Domestic limited liability companies (LLC)
  • A corporation or LLC formed in a foreign country and registered to do business in any U.S. state

Who is exempt from filing?

  • Companies earning over $5M in gross receipts based on a filed tax return, with an operating presence in the U.S., and with at least 20 full-time employees
  • Publicly traded companies
  • S. government authorities and regulated public entities/utilities
  • Certain tax-exempt entities such as churches, nonprofit organizations, and charities
  • Inactive entities are exempt from filing
  • Certain types of financial institutions and money services businesses including: banks, credit unions, depository holding companies, accounting firms, investment companies, securities brokers and dealers, venture capital fund advisors, security exchanges or clearing agencies, and Commodity Exchange Act registered entities.

Consult with your CPA or attorney to verify your eligibility and compliance with the new BOI reporting.

For additional information, visit: https://www.fincen.gov/boi-faqs

Monitor updates from FinCEN at  www.fincen.gov/boi