Free checker · FinCEN rule checked 6 November 2026

Do I need to file a BOI report?

Almost certainly not, if your company was formed in a US state. FinCEN's final rule, in force since 14 August 2026, permanently exempts every US-formed company. Answer three questions to be sure.

Where was your company formed (created)?In a US state (an LLC or corporation filed with a Secretary of State)In another country (e.g. a UK Ltd, Indian Pvt Ltd, Canadian corporation)

Has that foreign company registered to do business in a US state?NoYes, it filed with a US Secretary of State

Date the registration became effective (if yes)

Who owns or controls it?At least one person who is not a US citizen or residentOnly US citizens or residents

What changed

• 2024: the Corporate Transparency Act required most small US companies to report their owners to FinCEN.
• March 2025: FinCEN's interim rule exempted all companies formed in the US.
• 11 August 2026: FinCEN made that permanent in a final rule, effective 14 August 2026. US companies "are no longer required to file BOI reports."

Who still files

Only a foreign reporting company: an entity formed under another country's law that registered to do business in a US state or tribal jurisdiction. It files within 30 days after its registration takes effect, updates within 30 days of changes, and reports only its non-US owners. It doesn't report US persons at all.

BOI scam letters

Letters and emails that look official still demand BOI filings and "late fees" from US companies. FinCEN never charges to file, and a US-formed company has nothing to file. Don't pay, and don't click links in those messages.

State rules are separate

New York's LLC Transparency Act (from 1 January 2026) covers only LLCs formed abroad that are authorised to do business in New York. Banks also still ask for owner details when you open an account; that's a separate rule.

What your LLC still owes

Your state annual report, a registered agent, and if you live outside the US, Form 5472 each year ($25,000 penalty if missed). Check everything your LLC owes. For non-US owners: BOI for foreign-owned LLCs.

Sources: FinCEN BOI page (alert updated 11 August 2026); Federal Register 2026-16576 (14 August 2026) as summarised by Harbor Compliance (28 August 2026). Read 6 November 2026.