BOI Filing for LLCs: Guide to Beneficial Ownership Reporting

BOI filing for LLCs is the process of reporting the identities of individuals who have significant ownership or control over the LLC to comply with Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) regulations.

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Note: As of December 3, 2024, a federal court temporarily paused enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act, which requires businesses to report their beneficial ownership information to FinCEN. Although not mandatory, FinCEN is still accepting beneficial ownership filings. You can learn more about the current status of the beneficial ownership information (BOI) report on our BOI Report Requirements Timeline.

If you own or plan to form a limited liability company (LLC), you’ll need to understand the beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements introduced by the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). Created to increase business transparency, the BOI for LLCs, also known as beneficial ownership information reports, helps ensure that ownership information is clear, aiding in the fight against financial crimes.

In this guide, we’ll explore what the BOI for LLCs entails, why it matters, and how to comply with these requirements.

The current suspension on enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act is temporary. The Department of Justice is appealing the preliminary injunction. In the meantime, FinCEN is continuing to accept Beneficial Ownership Information filings.

What is a beneficial ownership information report for an LLC?

A BOI, or beneficial ownership information report, identifies the people who own or significantly influence a business. Specifically, a BOI report documents the details of anyone who exerts significant control over a business or holds 25% or more of the reporting company’s ownership interests.

Although a federal court has temporarily paused CTA enforcement, as of January 1, 2024, these BOI requirements now apply to LLCs because the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) wants to maintain this information for transparency. In the past, LLCs didn’t have to report information about their owners to FinCEN. The BOI reporting requirement changes that. This transparency step is essential for the government to track business ownership and prevent unlawful activities like money laundering using a shell corporation.

If you’re wondering what a BOI form for an LLC involves, it’s essentially a structured record of each owner’s name, address, date of birth, and other identifying information. Understanding what a BOI form is for an LLC can help you stay compliant and protect your business’s integrity.

Is a BOI required for my LLC?

Most LLCs in the United States are required to file a BOI report, but there are notable exceptions. Generally, any LLC that is created or registered with a Secretary of State (or similar office) must submit a BOI report. However, if your LLC is already regulated by federal agencies (such as certain financial institutions), you may be exempt from filing. Nonprofits and some larger entities that are already under strict federal oversight may also avoid BOI requirements.

If you’re questioning whether BOI reporting is required for your LLC, keep in mind that most registered small businesses will need to file. Chat with a legal advisor if you have doubts. That said, certain industries and structures receive exemptions.Taking the time to understand whether your LLC qualifies for any exemptions from the CTA can save you from unnecessary paperwork or potential penalties.

Who is a beneficial owner?

A beneficial owner is an individual who, directly or indirectly, either exercises substantial control over a reporting company or owns or controls at least 25 percent of the reporting company’s ownership interests. This definition is crucial in understanding who must be reported in a beneficial ownership information report.

To determine if an individual is a beneficial owner, consider the following factors:

  • Does the individual have the ability to make important decisions on behalf of the company?
  • Does the individual have a significant ownership stake in the company, either directly or indirectly?
  • Does the individual exercise substantial control over the company’s operations or finances?

In the context of an LLC, beneficial owners typically include the founding members and managers. These beneficial owners might be active participants in the business or members who’ve just invested in the company.

That said, there are several individuals who aren’t considered beneficial owners of a company, including:

  • Minor children
  • Individuals acting as nominees, intermediaries, custodians, or agents of another individual
  • Employees acting solely as employees
  • Individuals whose only interest in the company is a future interest through a right of inheritance
  • Creditors

It’s essential to accurately identify your beneficial owners, as this information must be reported to FinCEN. As a reporting company, it’s crucial to understand who your beneficial owners are and to report this information accurately and timely.

Steps to Filing a BOI for LLCs

Filing a BOI for your LLC involves several straightforward but essential steps. Follow these carefully to ensure you meet the requirements:

  1. Gather beneficial ownership information: Before starting, collect detailed information on each beneficial owner to provide accurate information to FinCEN. You’ll need full names, addresses, dates of birth, and valid identification numbers (such as a driver’s license or passport number) for each person who meets the ownership criteria.
  2. Obtain the BOI form: You can find the official BOI form on the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) website or use a third-party service to guide you through the process. Ensure the form is up to date, as regulations may lead to periodic updates in requirements.
  3. Complete the form accurately: Fill out the form carefully, checking each entry for accuracy. Errors or incomplete information may lead to delays or penalties. Every piece of information — names, dates, ID numbers — should match official records.
  4. Submit the BOI form: Once the form is complete, submit it via the FinCEN online portal or through a certified third-party provider. Keep proof of submission, such as a confirmation number, which serves as your record of compliance.
  5. Retain documentation: After submitting, store a copy of your BOI form and supporting documents in a secure place. This helps ensure that if you need to reference your report or provide proof of submission, everything is easily accessible.

These steps are fundamental in filing a BOI for your LLC. Paying close attention to detail and accuracy will make the process smooth and avoid the hassle of resubmitting information.

BOI Filing Requirements: Key Details for LLCs

For your BOI report, you’ll need specific details about each beneficial owner. These include full legal names, current addresses, birthdates, and identifying numbers from official government-issued documents. While you’re filing, you’ll also want to confirm the ownership percentage for each owner if you have multiple owners.

LLCs are usually pretty straightforward business structures, but there are a few special cases that may or may not need to be filed. For example, HOAs might need to file a BOI report if they’re structured as a standard LLC, but they’d be exempt if they were structured as a social welfare organization.

LLCs created within an Indian tribe might need to file, and they might not — usually, the tribe’s office or agency qualifies as a “Secretary of State or similar office” under the terms of the Corporate Transparency Act. But if a federal agency issued the tribal LLC’s charter, then a BOI report wouldn’t be necessary.

If you converted into an LLC from another business type, you’ll need to consult your state laws to see if you need to file another BOI. In some states, converting your business type is seamless, and it doesn’t create a new business; you wouldn’t file a new BOI report there. But other states’ conversion processes actually create a brand-new LLC and “delete” your old business. In these cases, you’d need to file a new BOI.

If you have a more complicated business, it’s recommended to get legal advice or hire a BOI report filing service like ours to help ensure you don’t overlook any crucial filing details.

Privacy Concerns with the BOI Report

Uploading a copy of an identifying document like your passport or driver’s license can feel like a risk; no business owner wants their personal data to be compromised. But rest assured that your data will be safe. The BOI report isn’t like your Articles of Organization; they don’t go on the public record, accessible by just anyone. 

BOI report information can only be accessed by federal or state law enforcement (sometimes with a court order), officials at the Department of the Treasury, and similar groups. Your data won’t fall into the wrong hands.

Common Industries Where BOI Filing Is Required for LLCs

Most LLCs have to report beneficial ownership information regardless of their industry, but this report is especially important for some sectors. Real estate, finance, and retail are a few sectors where LLCs are frequently flagged for BOI compliance.

For instance, real estate LLCs, which may involve substantial investments from multiple owners over multiple properties, need to carefully report their ownership information, including details about company applicants. In the retail sector, where franchising and shared ownership models are common, additional attention to ownership transparency and the role of company applicants is crucial.

Finance-related LLCs, particularly those involved in investment and fund management, are also subject to stringent BOI filing requirements. That said, it’s important to check if you’re truly subject to the BOI requirements or if you need to report to another agency instead.

No matter what sector you’re in, understanding how the beneficial ownership information report for an LLC affects your compliance can help you avoid penalties and protect your business.

Penalties for Non-Compliance with BOI Filing in LLCs

If enforcement of the CTA resumes, failing to submit a BOI report or submitting one with inaccurate information can lead to penalties. These consequences can be pretty severe, including both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties max out at $500 per day that you’re out of compliance. Criminal penalties can include fines of $10,000 and up to two years imprisonment. It’s crucial to pay attention to the actual or public notice regarding the deadlines for filing your initial BOI report, as different deadlines apply based on the year of formation.

If you discover an error in your BOI report, correct it immediately to avoid these penalties. Make sure you regularly review your LLC’s beneficial ownership details, especially after changes like ownership transfers or new member admissions. Staying compliant with BOI filing requirements will protect your business from costly mistakes and allow it to operate smoothly.

Resources and Tools for Filing BOI for LLCs

Several resources and tools can make BOI filing simpler for LLC owners. Government sites, including FinCEN, offer guidelines and downloadable forms, but many LLCs prefer using a third-party BOI filing service like ZenBusiness for added guidance. ZenBusiness offers easy access to BOI filing assistance, helping LLC owners navigate requirements and submit accurate reports.

Key Takeaways for LLC BOI Filing Compliance

Ensuring compliance with BOI filing for LLCs is essential for transparency and avoiding penalties. By understanding the steps, gathering accurate information, and using available resources, LLC owners can maintain compliance and focus on business growth. 

Whether you’re a single-member LLC or a multi-member organization, keeping up with beneficial ownership reporting requirements keeps your business on track for long-term success.

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Filing your BOI report is currently optional. We’re here to help you file securely and accurately if you choose to file.

BOI for LLCs
Frequently Asked Questions

  • The BOI rule for LLCs, established under the Corporate Transparency Act, requires most reporting companies, including LLCs, to report detailed information about their beneficial owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This information includes the names, addresses, dates of birth, and government-issued identification numbers of anyone who owns or controls 25% or more of the LLC. The goal of the BOI is to increase transparency in business ownership, helping to prevent illicit activities like money laundering and tax evasion.

  • Yes, single-member LLCs generally need to file a BOI report if they meet the requirements outlined in the Corporate Transparency Act. Even though single-member LLCs have a straightforward ownership structure, the beneficial ownership information is still essential for regulatory transparency. That said, some LLCs are exempt based on their activities or federal oversight, so it’s helpful to confirm if your specific LLC meets filing criteria or qualifies for an exemption.

  • Some entities are exempt from BOI reporting, including publicly traded companies and businesses already heavily regulated by federal agencies. Nonprofits, tax-exempt entities, and specific types of financial institutions may also qualify for exemptions under the BOI rules. To determine if your LLC is exempt, review the Corporate Transparency Act’s criteria or consult FinCEN’s guidelines for specific cases.

  • Under the CTA, LLCs that registered to do business before January 1, 2024, must file their initial report by January 1, 2025. Reporting companies created between January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025, have 90 days to file after their formation. Companies that start after January 1, 2025, will have 30 days to file.

    Filing your BOI report is currently optional. We’re here to help you file securely and accurately if you choose to file.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.

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Written by Team ZenBusiness

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