Small Business Legal Aid
Welcome to Small Business Legal Aid (SBLA), where your legal needs are our priority.SBLA's 2024 Focus:
Navigating New Legal Landscapes . . . the CTAThe Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) has introduced new Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements that could impact your LLC or corporation. Noncompliance could result in civil and/or criminal penalties. At SBLA, we’re here to help you navigate these changes with expert legal support. Explore our tailored legal plans designed to ensure your compliance and avoid penalties.
About Us
Small Business Legal Aid (SBLA) is a program of the Law Office of Ambrose Moses III Co LPA (Moses Law Office).SBLA has 3 initiatives – Business Legal Education, Community, and Legal Services.Moses Law Office is part of a network of professionals in the areas of legal, accounting, MBE/WBE/DBE certification, marketing, and general business consulting.SBLA coordinates and provides business legal education via webinars, workshops, and the development of content for distribution.SBLA facilitates and promotes the development of a community and membership engagements among business owners, lawyers, and entrepreneur resource organizations.SBLA provides pro bono and low bono legal services to clients via legal clinics and limited scope representation that provide affordable and accessible legal assistance to small businesses, business owners, and nonprofit organizations.The Law Office of Ambrose Moses III, Co. LPA has partnered with Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC), CED Law Group, and Franklin County to provide SBLA to Central Ohio as a pilot program.
Introduction
Small Business Legal Aid (SBLA) is a program of the Law Office of Ambrose Moses III Co LPA (Moses Law Office).SBLA has 3 initiatives – Business Legal Education, Community, and Legal Services.Moses Law Office is part of a network of professionals in the areas of legal, accounting, MBE/WBE/DBE certification, marketing, and general business consulting.SBLA coordinates and provides business legal education via webinars, workshops, and the development of content for distribution.SBLA facilitates and promotes the development of a community and membership engagements among business owners, lawyers, and entrepreneur resource organizations.SBLA provides pro bono and low bono legal services to clients via legal clinics and limited scope representation that provide affordable and accessible legal assistance to small businesses, business owners, and nonprofit organizations.The Law Office of Ambrose Moses III, Co. LPA has partnered with Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC), CED Law Group, and Franklin County to provide SBLA to Central Ohio as a pilot program.
Business Legal Education
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson MandelaFor this reason, education is one of the pillars of this project. To that end, here are some questions for you; What do you want to learn? Where do you want to learn it? How do you want to learn it? When do you want to learn these identified topics?Small Business Legal Aid (SBLA) coordinates and provides business legal education via webinars, workshops, and the development of content for distribution.
Upcoming Workshops, Classes, & Clinics
| Event | Date | Time | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contracts: The Language of Business | March 14, 2024 | 6:00 pm | Eventbrite |
| Small Business Legal Aid Clinic | March 23, 2024 | 10:00 am | Eventbrite |
Community
SBLA facilitates and promotes the development of a community and membership engagements among business owners, lawyers, and entrepreneur resource organizations.Join Us on Facebook
Legal Services
Small Business Legal Aid (SBLA) is a program of the Law Office of Ambrose Moses III, Co LPA (Moses Law Office).SBLA offers accessible and affordable legal assistance to small businesses, business owners, and nonprofit organizations through pro bono and low bono services. Our legal clinics and limited scope representation ensure you receive the help you need, when you need it. Explore our focus areas, including CTA compliance, business formation, and more.CLICK HERE to complete the Intake Form to request legal assistance via the Small Business Legal Aid Program. Your application will be reviewed and you will be contacted by the Project Attorney's office concerning the next steps.
Links
These are links to the Small Business Legal Aid (SBLA) program and other helpful resources.
| DESCRIPTION | LINK |
|---|---|
| Request SBLA Legal Assistance | Click Here |
| Schedule an SBLA Legal Consultation | Click Here |
| Register for SBLA Workshops, Classes, & Clinics | Click Here |
| Get an Audit of Your LLC | Click Here |
| Join the SBLA Community | Click Here |
| Ohio Business Development Center | Click Here |
Intake
CLICK HERE to complete an intake form to request legal assistance via the Small Business Legal Aid Program. Your application will be reviewed and you will be contacted by the Project Attorney's office concerning the next steps.
Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is a significant piece of legislation in the United States designed to combat illegal activities such as money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit financial practices. It was enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. Here's a breakdown of its key aspects:
Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI)
Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting: The CTA requires certain corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and other similar entities to report information about their beneficial owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
Definition of Beneficial Owners: A beneficial owner is typically defined as an individual who directly or indirectly exercises substantial control over an entity or owns a significant percentage of it.Purpose: The aim is to provide a clearer understanding of the true ownership of companies, which can be obscured by complex structures. This transparency is crucial for law enforcement and regulatory agencies to prevent and detect financial crimes.
CLICK HERE to Request a CTA Legal Consultation Online via the Small Business Legal Aid Program. Your application will be reviewed and you will be contacted by the Project Attorney's office concerning the next steps.
File Your BOI Reports With Confidence
Process for Submitting Beneficial Ownership InformationUnder the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), reporting companies are required to report their Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Here's an outline of this reporting process:1. FinCEN as the Central Authority: FinCEN functions as the central repository for collecting and maintaining the BOI, playing a pivotal role in the U.S. government's efforts to combat financial crimes such as money laundering and terrorist financing.2. Reporting Responsibility: The responsibility of submitting the required BOI Reports is that of with the reporting companies. This includes information about individuals who, directly or indirectly, exercise substantial control over the entity, or who have at least a 25% ownership interest in the entity.3. Reporting Mechanism: Reporting companies submit the BOI to FinCEN through a designated electronic filing system or a specific reporting format as prescribed by FinCEN.4. Confidentiality and Access: The information provided to FinCEN is kept confidential and is primarily used for law enforcement and regulatory purposes. Access to this data is restricted to certain government authorities and, in specific cases, to financial institutions for due diligence purposes.5. Compliance and Updates: Reporting companies are also required to update FinCEN with any changes in the BOI, including alterations in beneficial ownership or control.6. Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to report, inaccurate reporting, or the deliberate submission of false information can result in substantial penalties, such as fines and imprisonment.Given the complexities and legal implications of these requirements, businesses are advised to seek guidance from legal professionals or compliance consultants. For additional information or assistance, visit SmallBusinessLegalAid.com.
CLICK HERE to Request a CTA Legal Consultation Online via the Small Business Legal Aid Program. Your application will be reviewed and you will be contacted by the Project Attorney's office concerning the next steps.
Crucial Deadlines
The crucial deadlines concerning the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reports are as follows:1. Effective Date of the Rule: The BOI reporting rule under the CTA, implemented by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), will take effect starting January 1, 2024.2. Deadline for Companies Existing as of December 31, 2023: Companies in existence as of December 31, 2023, are required to submit their BOI report by January 1, 2025.3. Deadline for Companies Formed After January 1, 2024:
- Companies formed in 2024 have up to 90 days from their date of creation or registration to submit their BOI report. This is an extension from the initially proposed 30-day period.
- For companies formed on or after January 1, 2025, the deadline to submit the BOI report reverts to 30 days after their creation or registration.4. Updates to BOI Reports: Reporting companies must file updated BOI reports within 30 days after any changes occur in company or beneficial owner information. This includes changes in the identities of the beneficial owners or any inaccuracies in previously submitted information.5. No Annual or Periodic Reporting Requirement: Companies are not required to submit BOI reports on an annual or other periodic basis unless there are changes that need to be reported.It is important that reporting companies know and comply with CTA requirements within these deadlines to avoid civil and/or criminal penalties.
CLICK HERE to Request a CTA Legal Consultation Online via the Small Business Legal Aid Program. Your application will be reviewed and you will be contacted by the Project Attorney's office concerning the next steps.
Solution for CTA/BOI Compliance
SBLA's Comprehensive Solutions for CTA and BOI Reporting ComplianceSmall Business Legal Aid (SBLA) is dedicated to assisting businesses, especially LLCs, navigate the new landscape of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements, effective January 1, 2024. Here's how we can help your business stay compliant and secure:1. Tailored Compliance Strategies: Our legal experts offer personalized consultations to help your LLC understand the CTA and BOI requirements. We specialize in creating customized compliance plans that align with your business's unique needs.2. Digital Reporting Solutions with Privacy Assurance: We understand the importance of confidentiality in legal reporting. Our digital solutions ensure your LLC's BOI reporting is handled with the utmost privacy and security.3. Diverse Service Levels to Fit Your Needs:
- DIY Assistance: For businesses preferring a hands-on approach, we provide comprehensive DIY resources.
- Attorney-Guided DIY: Get the best of both worlds with our self-help tools, supplemented by professional legal guidance.
- Full Legal Services: Our complete service package offers in-depth legal assistance, including direct handling of all CTA and BOI related matters.4. Customized Tools and Resources:
- 4-Page LLC Plan & Legal Audit: We offer concise planning documents and thorough legal audits to ensure your LLC’s compliance.
- AI Chatbot for Basic Inquiries: Our AI chatbot is available to answer fundamental CTA/BOI public information questions, providing quick and accurate responses.
- Checklists & FAQs: Utilize our detailed checklists and FAQs to stay on track with reporting requirements.
- Online Legal Advice and Secure Counsel: Access legal advice through our secure online portal, ensuring confidentiality and convenience.5. Flexible Consultation Options:
- Zoom Consultations: Schedule virtual meetings with our attorneys to discuss your LLC’s specific legal needs.
- LLC Due Diligence Assistance: We help you conduct thorough due diligence to ensure all aspects of your LLC are compliant.
- BOI Report Submission Service: Our team can manage the submission of your BOI reports, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Full Legal Representation: For comprehensive legal support, our full representation service covers all aspects of CTA and BOI compliance.Schedule a Consultation: To begin addressing your 2024 BOI reporting needs and to explore our range of services, please use our consultation scheduling form. SBLA is committed to guiding your LLC through the CTA and BOI reporting process with expertise, security, and ease.
CLICK HERE to Request a CTA Legal Consultation Online via the Small Business Legal Aid Program. Your application will be reviewed and you will be contacted by the Project Attorney's office concerning the next steps.
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