A Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Corporate Transparency Act Report

Filing a Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) report is a mandatory requirement for certain entities in the United States. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of filing a CTA report on FinCEN, ensuring your business meets its compliance obligations.

Step 1: Determine If Your Entity Needs to Report

Before you begin, confirm whether your entity is subject to CTA reporting requirements. Entities such as corporations, LLCs, and other similar entities generally need to report, while some entities, like publicly traded companies and certain regulated financial institutions, are exempt.

If you’re looking for an alternative way to file your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) for the Corporate Transparency Act, you can explore our BOIR Filing Solution.

Step 2: Gather Beneficial Ownership Information

For each beneficial owner of your entity, collect the following information:

1. Full legal name
2. Date of birth
3. Current residential or business address
4. A unique identifying number from an acceptable identification document (e.g., passport, driver’s license)

Ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date.

Step 3: Access FinCEN’s Reporting Portal

The CTA report must be submitted electronically through FinCEN’s reporting portal. Access the portal by visiting FinCEN’s website and creating an account if you don’t already have one.

Alternatively, you can also use ComplyCTA to file your BOI report in less than 5 minutes; here is a step-by-step BOI filing guide.

Step 4: Complete the Reporting Form

Once logged in, complete the reporting form by entering the required information for each beneficial owner. The form will ask for the details you gathered in Step 2. Double-check the information to ensure accuracy, as errors could result in penalties.

For any filing issues, check our FinCEN Error Codes guide. It offers quick tips to help you file smoothly and stay on track.

Step 5: Submit the Report

After completing the form, review all the information for accuracy and completeness. Once you’re confident that everything is correct, submit the report through the FinCEN portal.

Step 6: Save the Confirmation Receipt

After submitting your report, FinCEN will provide a confirmation receipt. Save this receipt for your records as proof of compliance. It’s also advisable to keep a copy of the submitted report for your internal records.

Step 7: Monitor for Changes

After filing the report, continue to monitor your entity’s beneficial ownership information. If there are any changes, such as a new beneficial owner or changes in the ownership percentages, you’ll need to update your CTA report with FinCEN within 30 days.

Conclusion

Filing a Corporate Transparency Act report involves several steps, from determining your reporting requirements to submitting the report through FinCEN’s portal. By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure your business complies with the CTA’s reporting obligations.