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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 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.

Immigration Orders and Their Economic Impact on Small Business: Insights from Attorney and Former Immigration Judge Rob Ratliff

President Trump's recent executive orders, targeting immigration policies, could significantly impact small businesses in Ohio, particularly those owned by undocumented immigrants. With stricter visa vetting, halted refugee admissions, and potential deportations, these businesses face uncertainty, workforce disruption, and closures. Ohio's immigrant-owned businesses, especially in food services and transportation, contribute billions to the state economy, and any disruption could result in economic ripple effects.

Corporate Transparency Act Ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled on the enforceability of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), lifting an injunction previously imposed by the Fifth Circuit. However, a separate nationwide injunction remains in effect, meaning businesses are still not required to comply with the CTA’s reporting requirements. FinCEN continues to accept voluntary reporting while enforcement remains paused.

Lead Paint Contamination and Resources for Ohio Landlords

Children are exposed to lead-based paint, which was used in most homes until it was banned in the US in 1978 and “can severely damage the brain and central nervous system causing coma, convulsions and even death.” Property owners and landlords should educate themselves on regulations and resources to mitigate their own liability.