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Corporate Transparency Act Is Back in Effect: Are You Ready?

Client Alert

On December 5, 2024, the Federal Government was enjoined from enforcing the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) in Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc., et al v. Garland et al, No. 4:2024 cv 00478 - Document 30 (E.D. Tex. 2024). At least for now, that prior ruling has been overturned and the filing requirements under the CTA are back in effect. 

On December 23, 2024, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit granted the Federal Government’s emergency motion for a stay of the nationwide injunction pending appeal. According to the Fifth Circuit, the Federal Government “met its burden” for it to issue a stay and reinstate the obligations under the CTA.

In addition to the widely circulated court opinion, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) website gives businesses the following guidelines:

  • First, reporting companies that were created or registered prior to January 1, 2024, now have until January 13, 2025, to file their initial beneficial ownership information reports with FinCEN (it was previously January 1, 2025).
  • Second, reporting companies created or registered on or after September 4, 2024, that had a filing deadline between December 3, 2024, and December 23, 2024, have until January 13, 2025, to file their initial beneficial ownership information reports with FinCEN (it was previously 30 days from creation or registration).
  • Third, reporting companies created or registered on or after December 3, 2024, and on or before December 23, 2024, have an additional 21 days from their original filing deadline to file their initial beneficial ownership information reports with FinCEN (it was previously 90 days from creation or registration).

What to do now?
Based on the Court ruling and update to the FinCEN website, reporting companies are required to comply with the law and file beneficial ownership reports as provided in FinCEN’s regulations, albeit with the updated deadlines described above.

For guidance on complying with these updated requirements, business owners should reach out to their BMD legal advisors or contact BMD Member Blake Gerney at brgerney@bmdllc.com.


Corporate Transparency Act to be Re-evaluated

Recent federal rulings have impacted the enforceability of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which took effect on January 1, 2024. While reporting requirements were briefly reinstated, FinCEN has now paused enforcement and is reevaluating the CTA. Businesses are no longer required to submit reports until further guidance is issued. For updates and legal counsel, contact BMD Member Blake Gerney.

Ohio Recovery Housing Operators Beware: House Bill 58 Seeks to Make Major Changes

Ohio House Bill 58 proposes significant changes to recovery housing oversight, granting ADAMH Boards authority to inspect and investigate recovery residences. The bill also introduces a Certificate of Need (CON) program, requiring state approval for major facility changes. OMHAS will assess applications based on cost, quality, accessibility, and financial feasibility. The bill also establishes a recovery housing residence fund to support inspections. For more information, contact BMD attorneys Daphne Kackloudis or Jordan Burdick.

January 2025 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Brings Notable Changes to HIPAA Security Rule

In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposed amendments to the HIPAA Security Rule, aiming to enhance cybersecurity for covered entities (CEs) and business associates (BAs). Key changes include mandatory compliance audits, workforce training, vulnerability scans, and risk assessments. Comments on the proposed rule are due by March 7, 2025.

Corporate Transparency Act Effective Again

The federal judiciary has issued multiple rulings on the enforceability of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which took effect on January 1, 2024. Previously, enforcement was halted nationwide due to litigation in Smith v. U.S. Department of the Treasury. However, on February 18th, the court lifted the stay, reinstating the CTA’s reporting requirements. Non-exempt entities now have until March 21, 2025, to comply. Businesses should act promptly to avoid civil penalties of $591 per day and potential criminal liability.

Status Update: Physician Noncompete Agreements in Ohio

Noncompete agreements remain enforceable in Ohio if they meet specific legal requirements. While the AMA and FTC have challenged these restrictions, courts continue to uphold reasonable noncompete provisions for physicians. Recent cases, like MetroHealth System v. Khandelwal, highlight how courts may modify overly restrictive agreements to balance employer interests with patient care. With ongoing legal challenges to the FTC’s proposed ban, Ohio physicians should consult a healthcare attorney before signing or challenging a noncompete agreement.