Learning Center

We keep you up-to-date on the latest tax changes and news in the industry.

Beware of Scams Targeting Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Requirements!

Article Highlights:

  • Purpose of the Corporate Transparency Act

  • Beneficial Owner Reporting Requirements

  • Types of Scams Associated with the CTA

  • Phishing Scams

  • Fake Compliance Services

  • Impersonation Scams

  • Data Breach Scams

  • Fake Penalty Notices

  • What Beneficiaries of a Scam Should Do

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), enacted as part of the Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, represents a significant legislative effort to enhance corporate transparency and combat illicit financial activities in the United States. The CTA mandates the electronic reporting of beneficial ownership information (BOI) to the federal government’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), aiming to curb money laundering, terrorism financing, and other forms of illicit finance. However, the CTA has also given rise to various scams targeting businesses and individuals. This article explores the purpose of the CTA, its beneficial owner reporting requirements, and the types of scams associated with it. Additionally, it provides guidance on what victims of such scams should do.

Purpose of the Corporate Transparency Act - The primary objective of the CTA is to strengthen the integrity and transparency of the U.S. financial system. By requiring businesses to disclose their beneficial owners, the CTA aims to:

  • Combat Illicit Finance - The CTA seeks to prevent money laundering, terrorism financing, and other illicit financial activities by making it more difficult for criminals to hide their identities behind anonymous shell companies.

  • Enhance National Security - By improving transparency, the CTA supports national security efforts to identify and disrupt the financial networks of criminal organizations, including drug traffickers, human traffickers, and kleptocrats.

  • Protect Legitimate Businesses - The CTA aims to level the playing field for legitimate businesses that comply with the law by reducing the competitive advantage of those that engage in illegal activities.

Beneficial Owner Reporting Requirements - Under the CTA, reporting companies include corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and any other entity created by the filing of a document with a secretary of state or any similar office under the law of a state or Indian tribe. This generally includes limited partnerships and possibly general partnerships depending upon state or tribal law. Also included are similar foreign entities.

These entities must disclose the identity and information related to their beneficial owners and in some cases the company applicant. The government does not charge a fee for submitting the report.

  • Beneficial Owner - A beneficial owner is defined as a natural person who:

    o   Holds at least 25% of the company's equity interests.

    o   Exercises substantial control over the company.     

  • Company Applicant - The individual who filed the company's formation documents.

The required information for the above includes:

  • Full legal name

  • Date of birth

  • Residential or business address

  • State or tribal jurisdiction of formation

  • IRS taxpayer identification number

Verification of identity, such as a passport or driver’s license, is generally required to be uploaded when the Beneficial Ownership Information Report is submitted to FinCEN.

Failure to comply with these reporting requirements can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Types of Scams Associated with the CTA - The implementation of the CTA has unfortunately led to various scams targeting businesses and individuals. These scams exploit the regulatory requirements and the potential penalties for non-compliance. The following are some common types of scams associated with the CTA:

Phishing Scams - Scammers send fraudulent emails or messages posing as FinCEN or other regulatory authorities, requesting sensitive information or payment to comply with the CTA. (The government does not charge a fee for submitting the BOI report.) These emails often contain malicious links or attachments designed to steal personal information or install malware on the recipient's device.

  • Fake Compliance Services: Fraudsters create fake companies offering compliance services to help businesses meet CTA requirements. They charge exorbitant fees for their services and may even collect sensitive information under the guise of assisting with compliance.

  • Impersonation Scams: Scammers impersonate legitimate businesses or regulatory authorities, contacting companies to demand immediate payment or information to avoid penalties for non-compliance with the CTA. These demands are often accompanied by threats of legal action or fines.

  • Data Breach Scams: Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in companies' systems to steal beneficial ownership information. They may use this information for identity theft, financial fraud, or to sell on the dark web.

  • Fake Penalty Notices: Scammers send fake penalty notices to businesses, claiming they have violated CTA requirements and must pay a fine to avoid further legal action. These notices often include official-looking logos and language to appear legitimate.

What Beneficiaries of a Scam Should Do - If you suspect that you have been targeted by a scam related to the CTA, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself and your business. Here are the steps you should follow:

  • Verify the Source - Before responding to any communication related to the CTA, verify the source. Contact FinCEN or the relevant regulatory authority directly using official contact information to confirm the legitimacy of the request.

  • Report the Scam - Report the scam to FinCEN, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and your local law enforcement agency. Providing detailed information about the scam can help authorities investigate and prevent further incidents.

  • Monitor Your Accounts - Regularly monitor your financial accounts and credit reports for any suspicious activity. If you notice any unauthorized transactions or changes, report them immediately to your financial institution and credit bureaus.

  • Secure Your Information - Take steps to secure your personal and business information. This may include changing passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and updating security software on your devices.

  • Educate Your Team - Ensure that your employees are aware of the potential scams associated with the CTA and know how to recognize and respond to suspicious communications. Regular training and awareness programs can help prevent falling victim to scams.

  • Seek Legal Advice - If you have provided sensitive information or made payments to a scammer, seek legal advice to understand your options and take appropriate action to mitigate any potential damage.

If you suspect that you have been targeted by a scam–whether related to the Corporate Transparency Act or some other nefarious scheme–it is crucial to verify the source, report the scam, monitor your accounts, secure your information, educate your team, and seek legal advice. By staying vigilant and informed, businesses can navigate the regulatory landscape of the CTA while safeguarding their interests.

Have questions or need assistance complying with the CTA reporting requirements? Please contact this office.  

Share this article...

Want our best tax and accounting tips and insights delivered to your inbox?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .

Benefits of having a business advisor

Your CFO, Reimagined as a Financial Doctor

Diagnosing root causes, prescribing solutions, and guiding your property business toward long-term wealth.

Our CFO | Advisor

Raquel is a passionate business owner. Now, she is returning to her grassroots with a twist - guiding clients with her expertise as a CPA, she can advise your company as your trusted CFO and Advisor.

  • Raquel Deodanes, MS, CPA

    Co-Founder

    CPA with Real-World Experience – I help property managers stay profitable, tax-efficient, and cash flow positive.
    Tax Strategist – Former advisor at California’s revenue agency.
    Trusted by 4,000+ Businesses – Experience across CA, FL, TX, NV, and beyond.
    Real Estate Investor – I understand the financial realities of property management.
    Entrepreneur – I’ve built businesses and know the challenges you face.

Frequently Asked Questions

We diagnose financial inefficiencies, treat problems like poor cash flow or rising costs, and guide you to long-term financial health. That includes cleaning up your books, forecasting cash flow, optimizing operations, and helping you grow your portfolio with confidence — just like a doctor builds a custom care plan for a patient.

Bookkeepers record transactions. CPAs file your taxes. We connect the dots — helping you understand your numbers, strategically improve them, and make smarter decisions throughout the year. We work alongside your existing team to drive performance, not just compliance.

If you're unsure where your cash is going, struggling with rising costs, planning to scale, or just tired of reacting instead of planning — now is the right time. We help you get ahead of problems, not just clean up after them.

Clients typically see improved cash flow, cleaner books, higher NOI, better financial reporting, and a lot less stress at tax time. More importantly, you gain clarity, confidence, and control over your business — and a partner who helps you grow it.

Pricing

Painless, transparent pricing.

Let us take away your stress and give you back your time. Choose your perfect package today.

Base

$499 /mo
  • Dedicated finance expert

  • Bookkeeping with accrual basis

  • Includes P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow statements

Core

$999 /mo
  • Includes everything in Base, PLUS

  • Industry KPIs and financial ratios

  • Monthly virtual 1-hr meetings

  • Monthly rolling budget forecasts

Growth

$1999 /mo
  • Includes everything in Base, CORE

  • Budget vs. actuals variance analysis and review

  • Payroll and HR Platform