Westport, CT Businesses: FinCEN's BOI Filing Deadline is 01/01/2025. File Now to Avoid Fines!
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires businesses to report Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) to FinCEN to promote transparency and prevent financial crimes.
As of today, November 27, 2024, Westport, Connecticut, business owners have 35 calendar days (or 25 business days) left to file their BOI report with FinCEN—don’t delay, or you could face fines of $500 per day!
What You Need to Do:
1. Determine if Your Business Must File.
Most LLCs, corporations, and small businesses qualify as "reporting companies." Exemptions apply to publicly traded companies and certain regulated entities.
2. Identify Your Beneficial Owners.
Beneficial owners are individuals with substantial control or 25% or more ownership of your business. For example, the managing partner of a Westport-based marketing agency with a 35% 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.
ZenBusiness can streamline the filing process and ensure compliance.
Key BOI Filing Details:
Who Needs to File?
"Reporting companies" include most LLCs, corporations, and small businesses in Westport. Exemptions apply to publicly traded and regulated entities. For instance, a boutique retail shop in Westport would likely need to file, while a national department store chain 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 example, a co-owner of a Westport-based interior design firm with a 40% ownership stake 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 submitted 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.
Let ZenBusiness handle your filing with ease and precision.
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 to correct errors without penalties.
Additional Resources:
Your input makes a difference! Take a few minutes to complete our BOI survey by December 18, 2024, and for every 25 responses, our Chamber will receive a $100 donation. [Take the survey here!] Thank you for supporting our Chamber and sharing your 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.
This Hot Deal is promoted by Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce | WWCC.
