Hot Deal
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires businesses to report Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) to FinCEN to promote transparency and combat illicit financial activities.
As of today, November 27, 2024, Saint Louis, Missouri, business owners have 35 calendar days (or 25 business days) left to file their BOI report with FinCEN—act now to avoid $500 per day fines!
What You Need to Do:
1. Determine if Your Business Must File.
Most LLCs, corporations, and small businesses qualify as "reporting companies." Exemptions include publicly traded companies and certain regulated entities.
2. Identify Your Beneficial Owners.
Beneficial owners are individuals who hold substantial control or 25% or more ownership of the business. For example, a Saint Louis-based retail store owner with a 30% stake qualifies as a beneficial owner.
3. Gather the Required Information.
Prepare:
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Business name, address, and EIN.
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Beneficial owners’ names, addresses, DOBs, and ID details.
4. File Your BOI Report.
Deadlines:
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Existing businesses: File by 01/01/2025.
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New companies (2024): File within 90 days of formation.
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New companies (2025+): File within 30 days of formation.
To ensure your compliance, ZenBusiness can help simplify and expedite the filing process.
Key BOI Filing Details:
Who Needs to File?
"Reporting companies" include most LLCs, corporations, and small businesses in Saint Louis. Exemptions apply to publicly traded and regulated entities. For example, a Saint Louis-based consulting firm is likely required to file, while a large utility company would not.
What Is a Beneficial Owner?
A beneficial owner is someone who:
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Holds substantial control over the company, OR
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Owns 25% or more of it.
For instance, a co-owner of a Saint Louis law firm with a 40% share and key decision-making responsibilities qualifies as a beneficial owner.
What Information Is Needed?
You’ll need:
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Business name, address, EIN.
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Owners’ names, addresses, DOBs, and identification documents.
How and When to File:
BOI reports must be filed electronically with FinCEN. Deadlines:
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Existing companies: File by 01/01/2025.
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2024 startups: File within 90 days of formation.
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2025+ startups: File within 30 days of formation.
Learn how ZenBusiness can assist with your BOI filing and ensure compliance.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
Failure to file can result in fines of $500 per day, up to $10,000, and potential criminal penalties. FinCEN offers a 90-day safe harbor for corrections without penalties.
Additional Resources:
We want to hear from you! Take our quick survey by December 18, 2024 to share your knowledge about Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) filing. It only takes a few minutes. Plus for every 25 responses, our Chamber will receive a $100 donation! [Click here to take the survey now!] Thank you for your time and valuable feedback.
*As of December 3, 2024, a Texas federal district court has issued a preliminary injunction for all states to block the CTA and its relevant regulations. However, filing your BOI will help you avoid fines if this injunction is overruled.
