Hattiesburg, MS Businesses: File Your FinCEN BOI Before 01/01/2025 to Avoid Fines!

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires businesses to report Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) to FinCEN to enhance transparency and deter financial crimes.

As of today, November 27, 2024, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, business owners have 35 calendar days (or 25 business days) left to file their BOI report with FinCEN—don’t wait, or you could face $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 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 the business. For example, a Hattiesburg-based boutique owner with a 40% stake qualifies as a beneficial owner.

3. Gather the Required Information.

Prepare:

• Business name, address, and EIN.

• Beneficial owners’ names, addresses, DOBs, and ID details.

4. File Your BOI Report.

Deadlines:

• Existing businesses: File by 01/01/2025.

• New companies (2024): File within 90 days of formation.

• New companies (2025+): File within 30 days of formation.

ZenBusiness can simplify the process and help you stay compliant.

Key BOI Filing Details:

Who Needs to File?

"Reporting companies" include most LLCs, corporations, and small businesses in Hattiesburg. Exemptions apply to publicly traded and regulated entities. For instance, a Hattiesburg-based catering business would likely need to file, but a national retail chain would not.

What Is a Beneficial Owner?

A beneficial owner is someone who:

1. Holds substantial control over the company, OR

2. Owns 25% or more of it.

For example, a co-owner of a Hattiesburg construction company with a 35% stake and decision-making authority qualifies as a beneficial owner.

What Information Is Needed?

You’ll need:

• Business name, address, EIN.

• Owners’ names, addresses, DOBs, and identification documents.

How and When to File:

BOI reports must be filed electronically with FinCEN. Deadlines:

• Existing companies: File by 01/01/2025.

• 2024 startups: File within 90 days of formation.

• 2025+ startups: File within 30 days of formation.

Let ZenBusiness assist with timely BOI filing for peace of mind.

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

Failure to file can result in fines of $500 per day, up to $10,000, and potential criminal penalties. A 90-day safe harbor is available for corrections without penalties.

Additional Resources:

• FinCEN BOI FAQ

• ZenBusiness Beneficial Ownership Report Guide

• State Requirements for BOI Filing

• A Guide to BOI Compliance

Take our quick BOI survey by December 18, 2024 and support our Chamber! It only takes a few minutes, and for every 25 responses, our Chamber will receive a $100 donation. [Click here to take the survey now!] Thank you for your support!

*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.