Definition of Similar Entities
The CTA uses the phrase, "corporations, limited liabilities and similar entities" to describe types of companies. The ABA noted, however, that the CTA does not define "similar entities." The ABA recommended that the regulation define the phrase to mean any entity that is formed by the filing of a document with a state or Tribal agency. By linking the definition to a state or Tribal filing, the definition will create a bright-line test and will avoid excluding anything that is created by such a filing.Who is a Beneficial Owner
The ABA also noted that the CTA does not completely define the term, "beneficial owner." The CTA defines the term to include a person who beneficially owns 25% or more of the company. The definition also includes any person who is in "substantial control" of the company. The ABA applauded the 25% ownership rule, but asked for clarification on how calculate percentage ownership. Many entities have complex "waterfall" ownership provisions. Ownership percentages may differ based on the quantity of net cash distributed over time.The ABA does not suggest how percentage ownership should be calculated, but asked FinCEN to clarify the point in its regulation. The CTA also does not define the term "substantial control." The ABA noted that a corporate officer with signature authority on a bank account might have control of the account, but not have control over the corporation itself. The ABA analogized to FinCEN's 2016 Customer Due Diligence (CDD) rule. The ABA claimed, however, that the CDD definition of "substantial control" is not always clear and asked FinCEN to provide clarity for the CTA in its upcoming regulation.Validating Information
Finally, the ABA recommended that the FinCEN regulation include provisions for validating the information contained in each report. Each report will be certified by the applicant who files it. The ABA suggested that FinCEN verify a company's name and existence by collecting the state or Tribal document that created the company. The ABA also suggested verifying tax identification numbers with the IRS.Conclusion
The CTA requires FinCEN to adopt regulations by December 31, 2021. FinCEN seems to be pacing itself to achieve that goal. Once implemented, pre-existing companies will have two years in which to file their first beneficial ownership report. Newly-created companies, however, will need to file their initial report at the time they are formed.About The Author
Jonathan Wilson is the co-founder of FinCEN Report Company with 31 years of experience in corporate, M&A and securities matters. He is the author of The Corporate Transparency Act Compliance Guide (to be published by Lexis Nexis in the summer of 2023) and the Lexis Practical Guidance Practice Note on the Corporate Transparency Act.