The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is a federal law requiring certain corporations or “reporting companies” to disclose ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Yes. As defined by the CTA, the term “reporting companies” encompasses corporations. Since most community associations operate as nonprofit corporations, they are included within the scope of the CTA’s requirements.
Yes. As defined by the CTA, a “beneficial owner” is any individual who, directly or indirectly, exercises “substantial control” over the community association and is an “important decison-maker.”
Yes. Community associations incorporated prior to January 1, 2024 must company with the CTA’s requirements by January 1, 2025.
As for penalties, an individual who violates the CTA’s requirements may be subject to civil penalties of up to “$500 for each day that the violation continues” along with “criminal penalties of up to two years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.”
Each “beneficial owner” must complete specific reporting documentation and provide FinCEN with their full legal name, date of birth, current address, and a unique identifying number from an acceptable government issued ID (ex. driver’s license, passport).
Next steps for community association board members
Board members and property managers are advised to consult with their association’s attorney to start their preparations immediately. Community associations cannot ignore the impact of this new law and will need to demonstrate a sense of urgency to comply the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).
Fill out the form below to contact KSN if you have questions about this new law. KSN attorneys can:
Additionally, the CTA specifies that FinCEN must be updated within 30 calendar days if there are changes to the community association’s board of directors (ex. after an election, if a board member steps down, etc.).
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KSN Podcasts discussing the Corporate Transperency Act (CTA)
KSN blog articles discussing the Corporate Transperency Act (CTA)