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Understanding FinCEN’s New BOI Rule: A Comprehensive Guide

Ritika Dixit
By Ritika Dixit
Published on 17 Jun 2024 Updated on 26 Dec 2024 8 min read Updated on 26 Dec 2024
Understanding FinCEN’s New BOI Rule: A Comprehensive Guide

Ever wondered how criminals hide the money they make from illegal activities? That’s where money laundering comes in. It’s the process of disguising dirty money to make it look legitimate.

This is a serious problem that can destabilize economies and threaten national security.

The US government passed the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) to combat these threats, a new law designed to reveal who owns and controls companies.

Why? Because sometimes, the people listed on official documents aren’t the whole story. There might be hidden owners, people pulling the strings behind the scenes. The CTA aims to change that by requiring companies to disclose their “beneficial owners.”

So, who exactly are these beneficial owners? They’re the individuals who ultimately own or control a company, even if their names aren’t on any official paperwork.

Owning a big chunk of the shares or having the power to make critical decisions qualifies as beneficial ownership. Knowing who these people are is crucial because it helps authorities track down money launderers using such companies to hide their activities.

Here’s where the new BOI rule by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) comes in.

BOI stands for Beneficial Ownership Information. FinCEN, a government agency focused on fighting financial crimes, created this rule to implement the CTA.

It defines what information companies need to report about their beneficial owners and when.

What Is the BOI Rule?

How to Report Under the BOI Rule

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) gave FinCEN new power: collecting information about companies’ real owners. Remember how we talked about beneficial owners, the people with the ultimate control, even if their names aren’t on official documents? That’s where the BOI rule steps in.

BOI is FinCEN’s way of implementing the CTA. It lays out exactly what companies need to do. The BOI rule requires companies to identify and report specific details about their beneficial owners to FinCEN.

This includes information like names, addresses, and taxpayer identification numbers.

But there’s more! The BOI rule also requires companies to report information about those who initially filed the paperwork to create the company. Think of them as the company’s “applicants.” This helps create a clearer picture of who’s involved initially.

All this reported information goes into a central database managed by FinCEN. This database is like a giant Rolodex of beneficial owners and company applicants.

With this information readily available, law enforcement and other authorized users can now trace ownership structures and identify potential risks. It’s a big step forward in the fight against financial crime.

Who Needs to Report Under the BOI Rule?

The BOI rule applies to a specific group of businesses called “reporting companies.” So, which companies fall under this umbrella?

Think of your standard corporations (C Corps) and limited liability companies (LLCs). These are reporting companies under the BOI rule. But it doesn’t stop there.

Other business entities created by filing paperwork with a government office, like secretary of state offices, are also considered reporting companies. This includes limited partnerships (LPs) and limited liability partnerships (LLPs).

Exemptions

Now, there are some exceptions. Not every company has to jump through these BOI hoops. 23 types of entities are exempt from the beneficial ownership information reporting requirements.

Publicly traded companies, for example, are already subject to strict disclosure requirements, so they’re exempt from the BOI rule. Banks, credit unions, and investment companies get a pass because they’re heavily regulated.

What Information Needs to be Reported?

Let’s break down exactly what information FinCEN needs under the BOI rule. It all boils down to identifying the people with the real power — the beneficial owners.

Remember, these aren’t always the folks listed on official documents.

So, what details do companies need to report about their beneficial owners? FinCEN requires some key pieces of information:

  • Full Name: This one’s pretty straightforward. You need to report each beneficial owner’s legal first and last name.

  • Residential Address: Where do they live? FinCEN requires each beneficial owner’s complete street address, city, state, and zip code.

  • Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN): This could be a Social Security number (SSN) for US citizens or an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for businesses that act as beneficial owners.

But why all this focus on beneficial owners? It’s simple: transparency. By identifying these individuals, authorities can better track criminals and terrorists hiding behind companies. Imagine a complex web of businesses — the BOI rule helps untangle that web and expose who’s truly pulling the strings.

The BOI rule also requires companies to report information about their initial filers, who first filed the paperwork to create the company. These are essentially the company’s “applicants.” FinCEN needs details like their full name and address.

This provides a clear picture of who was involved, adding another layer of transparency.

So, the BOI rule isn’t just about who owns a company now — it’s also about who started it. This comprehensive approach helps create a clearer picture of ownership and control within a business.

When to Report Under the BOI Rule?

Benefits of the BOI Rule

Deadlines under the BOI rule depend on when your company comes to life. Here’s a quick breakdown to keep things clear.

For companies already up and running before January 1, 2024, you get more time to file your initial BOI report. The deadline for existing companies is January 1, 2025. No need to scramble just yet — you have a little over a year to gather the necessary information and submit it to FinCEN.

The deadline gets tighter if your company is a new creation, formed, or registered for business after January 1, 2024. You’ll have 90 calendar days to file your BOI report from the day you receive official notice that your company is ready.

This notice could come from a secretary of state’s office or another government agency. Once you get that official thumbs up, the 90-day clock starts ticking for your BOI report.

It’s important to note that these deadlines are for filing your initial BOI report. But the rule doesn’t stop there. There’s another deadline to keep in mind — 30 days. This applies any time there’s a change to your beneficial ownership information.

So, if someone buys enough shares to become a beneficial owner or if an existing beneficial owner’s details change, you have 30 days to update that information in your BOI report with FinCEN.

The key takeaway? Existing companies have until January 1, 2025, while new companies formed in 2024 have 90 days after official notice.

Remember, there’s a 30-day deadline to report any changes to your beneficial ownership information.

You can ensure your company complies with the BOI rule by staying on top of these deadlines.

How to Report Under the BOI Rule?

Ready to file your BOI report? You can do it directly through doola and avoid the hassle.

Another option is through FinCEN. They have made the process as smooth as possible with a dedicated online platform: the FinCEN BOI E-Filing website.

Here’s the gist of e-filing:

  • Head to the Website: First, navigate the FinCEN BOI E-Filing website. It’s a user-friendly platform designed to streamline the reporting process.

  • Gather Information: Before diving in, ensure you have all the necessary information. Remember, you’ll need details about your beneficial owners, including full names, addresses, and taxpayer identification numbers (SSN or EIN). You’ll also need information about your company’s initial filers.

  • Create an Account (Optional): While creating an account on the BOI E-Filing website is optional, it can make things easier in the long run. With an account, you can save progress, track submissions, and manage future updates.

  • Fill Out the Form: The website will guide you through a user-friendly online form. Enter all the required BOI information. It’s like filling out any other online form — clear instructions and step-by-step guidance will help you navigate the process.

  • Submit Your Report: Double-check everything for accuracy once you’ve completed the form. Then, submit your BOI report electronically. The system will take care of the rest, securely transmitting your information to FinCEN.

While e-filing is the preferred method, paper forms might have some exceptions. However, these situations are likely uncommon. It’s always best to check the FinCEN BOI website for the most up-to-date information on alternative filing methods.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Missing a deadline or skipping the BOI rule isn’t a good idea. Non-compliance can have serious consequences, both civil and criminal.

On the civil side, FinCEN can fine companies with hefty fines for failing to report or submitting inaccurate information. These fines can add up quickly, straining a company’s finances.

But it gets more serious than just money. In extreme cases, non-compliance can also lead to criminal charges. Jail time could be imposed for individuals who knowingly and willfully violate the BOI rule.

Remember, the BOI rule aims to combat financial crime and improve transparency. By failing to report, you’re making it harder for law enforcement to track down criminals and terrorists who might be using companies to hide their activities. This puts your company at risk and poses a threat to national security.

The best way to avoid these penalties and ensure your company stays on the right side of the law is to prioritize timely and accurate BOI reporting. You’re demonstrating compliance with the BOI rule by meeting deadlines and submitting complete, accurate information.

If you have any questions or uncertainties, consult the experts at doola for corporate compliance guidance.

Benefits of the BOI Rule

The BOI rule isn’t just about ticking boxes and meeting deadlines. It’s a powerful tool that significantly impacts the fight against financial crime. Here’s how:

Remember how criminals sometimes use companies to hide their dirty money? The BOI rule makes it much harder for them to operate in the shadows. Authorities gain valuable insight into who controls these businesses by requiring companies to disclose their beneficial owners.

This transparency helps them identify red flags and track down suspicious activity.

Imagine a complex web of shell companies—a maze. The BOI rule helps solve that maze. With access to beneficial ownership information, law enforcement can trace the flow of money.

This makes investigations more efficient and effective, leading to a crackdown on money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes.

When criminals and terrorists can easily hide behind anonymous companies, the entire financial system becomes more vulnerable.

The BOI rule helps to strengthen the system, fostering a more transparent and secure financial environment for everyone involved.

The benefits of the BOI rule extend beyond fighting crime. Increased transparency in company ownership can also lead to a more level playing field for businesses. Imagine competing with a company that’s secretly owned by a competitor—not exactly fair, right?

The BOI rule can help promote fair competition and a more transparent business environment by shedding light on ownership structures.

Overall, the BOI rule is a game-changer against financial crime. It empowers law enforcement, strengthens the economic system, and promotes a more transparent business landscape. While companies might require some additional effort to comply, the benefits for a safer and more secure financial system are undeniable.

Stay Compliant With doola

When to Choose doola

The US is ushering in a new era of transparency with the BOI rule. It requires companies to report information about their true owners — the individuals with significant control or ownership (beneficial owners). This rule aims to combat illegal activity and build trust in the business landscape.

Complying with regulations can be time-consuming, but doola can help! Schedule a free consultation with a doola expert. We can answer your questions, clarify uncertainties, and guide you through the BOI filing process.

Focus on your passion – growing your business. Let doola handle the “boring backend work” like filing the BOI report and other compliance needs. We’ll free you up to do what you do best!

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Understanding FinCEN's New BOI Rule: A Comprehensive Guide