Under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), businesses are required to report the detailed information about their beneficial owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Businesses in Alabama are not an exception to BOI reporting. So, if you are running a business in Alabama, here is what you need to know to help you stay compliant.
What is BOI Reporting?
Beneficial Ownership Information or BOI reporting refers to the compulsory submission of all the important details about individuals who own or have significant control over a company. Beneficial owners usually include anyone who hold 25% or more of the company’s equity, or those who can exercise significant control over business’ decisions.
Alabama’s BOI Reporting Requirements
For Alabama companies, BOI reporting is not just an option; it is a legal obligation under the CTA. All newly formed entities like LLCs and corporations are required to submit their beneficial ownership information to FinCEN within 90 days of the incorporation. This means that if you are establishing a new business in Alabama, timely filing becomes an essential step.
Who Needs to File BOI Reports in Alabama?
Most small businesses and privately held companies in Alabama must file BOI reports without fail. This includes LLCs, corporations, and certain types of partnerships. There are, however, some exemptions to this rule. Larger businesses with over 20 full-time employees, more than $5 million in revenue, as well as a physical office in the U.S. are usually exempt from BOI reporting. Furthermore, publicly traded companies and certain financial institutions are also excluded from this requirement.
If you are not sure whether your business falls under the CTA’s reporting requirements, it is a good idea to consult with an expert to ensure that you are compliant with the regulations.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with the BOI reporting requirements can lead to some harsh and expensive penalties. In Alabama, like the rest of the U.S., businesses that fail to file or provide inaccurate information might face fines of up to $500 per day. And in extreme cases, companies might even face criminal penalties, including imprisonment.
It is important for Alabama businesses to stay on top of their BOI reporting deadlines and ensure that all the submitted information is accurate and up to date. Ignoring these requirements can lead to some very costly penalties that could harm your business’s financial standing and even the reputation.
Conclusion
BOI reporting is an important compliance requirement for businesses in Alabama and the rest of the US. Whether you are forming a new company or managing an existing one, understanding the BOI filing process, as well as the reporting deadlines, is crucial to avoid the associated penalties.
Make sure that you gather the necessary information, file it with FinCEN, and update it whenever there is a change in the ownership structure. By staying compliant with the BOI reporting requirements, Alabama businesses can protect themselves from any potential legal issues and continue to maintain their standing with the regulatory authorities.