Notice: Federal Reporting of Beneficial Ownership Information
Beginning January 1, 2024, certain types of corporations, limited liability companies, and other similar entities created in or registered to do business in the United States must report information about their beneficial owners - the persons who ultimately own or control the company - to the United States Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
Reporting beneficial ownership is a federal requirement and not administered by the California Secretary of State. Questions regarding reporting requirements should be directed to FinCEN. Additional information about the reporting requirements, including answers to questions such as “is my company required to report beneficial ownership information to FinCEN,” “who is a beneficial owner,” and “when do I need to report my company’s beneficial ownership information" is available at FinCEN’s beneficial ownership information webpage, FinCEN.gov/BOI. You can also subscribe to FinCEN Updates for future guidance documents.
FinCEN’s BOI webpage provides:
- A Small Entity Compliance Guide (PDF);
- Answers to Frequently Asked Questions;
- Infographics, such as the following about Key Filing Dates (PDF); and
- An introductory video and more detailed informational video.
The following is a list of recent changes that may affect business conducted with the Business Programs Division:
- Posted April 7, 2022
Enhanced bizfile Online including Business Entities launched April 7, 2022. Includes online more than 140 Business Filings, Name Reservations, and Orders for Certificates of Status and Certified Copies for corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships.
- Posted April 7, 2022
Name reservations now available online. Name Reservations can be performed online at bizfileOnlne.sos.ca.gov. The Name Inquiry and Name Availability phone service are no longer offered. - Posted April 7, 2022
The California Business Search provides online access to information for corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs) and limited partnerships (LPs) of record with the California Secretary of State including more than 17 million FREE PDF images relating to business registrations, amendments, terminations and the most recent Statements of Information for Corporations and LLCs at bizfileOnline.sos.ca.gov.
