Beginning in 2024, many small businesses will have to report information about their owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (commonly referred to as FinCEN), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury that collects and analyzes information to help fight financial crimes. Here is what you need to know.
Determine If Your Business MUST Comply With The New Reporting Rules
Any company created in Hawaii that has registered with a secretary of state or any similar office under the laws of a state or Indian tribe, or foreign companies registered to do business in Oahu, must comply with these new reporting requirements.
Many small businesses that are C corporations, S corporations, partnerships, or LLCs (including single-member LLCs) must comply. There are, however, nearly two dozen types of businesses that are exempt from these new reporting requirements, including sole proprietors, accounting firms, insurance companies, banks, certain large businesses, and tax-exempt entities.
Know When You MUST Report
The reporting deadline varies depending on when your business was created or registered here in Oahu, HI.
Created Before January 1, 2024
For existing companies that were created before January 1, 2024, you must file your FinCEN report, commonly referred to as a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report, sometime this year (before January 1, 2025).
Created During 2024
Companies formed this year have 90 days to file their FinCEN BOI report after they are created or registered.
Created in 2025 and Beyond
The BOI report must be filed within 30 days of being registered or legally created.
Immediately Report Any Changes
After your initial BOI report is filed, an updated BOI report must be filed within 30 days following any change in information previously filed with FinCEN. Any inaccuracies discovered on previously-filed reports must also be reported within 30 days.
Why They Want To Know
The Federal government of United States wants to know who owns or is a beneficial owner of businesses in Oahu, HI. This information is meant to protect national security by making it easier to find corruption, money laundering operations, tax evasion, and drug trafficking organizations. They will be sharing this information with approved agencies including Federal and State law enforcement and Federal tax authorities.
There Are Penalties For Noncompliance
You may be liable for up to $5,000 or more in fines for each defined violation for non-compliance or false information provided on the form. There are also daily fines for potential errors and omissions.
Where To Register And Learn More?
When filing, be prepared to not only identify owners and beneficial owners of your business, but also be prepared to submit visual proof of each owner's identity (i.e. Driver's license, passport, etc.) Click here to learn more: www.fincen.gov/boi
Remember, existing companies have until the end of 2024 to complete their BOI report, and FinCEN just put the reporting system live in early January 2024. So don’t delay, but you may wish to wait a bit to ensure the reporting tool is working properly.
Diamond Head Tax Group is Honolulu's Trusted Source in Filing Taxes for Individuals and Businesses. For Assistance and Other Tax Advisory Services, Call 808-468-8041 to Schedule a Consultation with our Consultant, Alan Chu!
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