A new FinCEN beneficial owner reporting requirement for “non-financed” transfers of residential properties to trusts or entities will become effective 3/1/26. Starting March 1, 2026, FinCEN will require reporting for certain non-financed transfers of residential real estate made to trusts or legal entities. This rule is similar in concept to the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), but it applies specifically to real estate transactions. Here’s an …
At the beginning of the year each year, we as small business owners start to refresh our check-lists and revise the To-Dos. We start cleaning up our processes, getting rid of what’s not working, cutting back on what’s sucking up too much of our time, review who we can start delegating more tasks to, and take a step back to …
A Registered Agent sounds like a forgettable formality, but it is one of the few roles that can actually keep your business out of real trouble. When you form an LLC or corporation in the United States, one of the earliest decisions you have to make is who will serve as your Registered Agent. It sounds like a minor administrative …
When you start a business, forming an LLC or corporation feels like a major milestone. But that milestone is only the beginning. What truly determines whether your entity thrives (or risks penalties, lawsuits, or even dissolution) is your ability to stay compliant with government requirements. Compliance isn’t glamorous. It’s annual reports, filing fees, tax documents, and maintaining a registered agent. …
Sure, it’s tempting to just put your business formation documents on the shelf after you receive them, but it’s important that you share them with people you trust. Your formation documents—like your (Certificate of Formation, operating agreement, bylaws, etc) signal the legal existence of your company and serve as a roadmap for how it operates. But beyond the state, there …
While attorneys may seem like a safe choice to act as a business’s registered agent, a dedicated third-party agent is often the safer bet. Here’s why: 1. Risk of Default Judgments and Legal Liability Wolters Kluwer documents multiple instances where businesses suffered default judgments after their lawyers, acting as registered agents, failed to forward legal notices: In Millennium Outdoors, LLC …
We all do it — we get that call from the unidentified phone number, or the text from someone claiming to be part of the IRS Resolution Department, and we panic. Here’s how you can tell the difference between what’s real and what’s a scam. The IRS recently issued a warning about a surge in tax scams, especially as identity …
Starting a business is a bold and exciting move. But staying in business – and protecting what you’ve built – is another challenge entirely. Many business owners don’t realize that forming an LLC or corporation is only the beginning. To maintain legal protections, stay compliant with state and federal requirements, and avoid costly penalties, you need to actively manage your …
You want to start a business in Texas. Awesome. What’s the first thing you need to do? File a DBA. Here’s how. Choose a DBA name Select a unique name that is not already in use by another business in Texas. Ensure that the name complies with the state’s guidelines, which typically include restrictions on using certain terms or …
If you’re starting a business, filing your Articles of Organization isn’t just a formality—it’s your business’s official birth certificate. This document legally establishes your Limited Liability Company (LLC), unlocking personal liability protection, tax flexibility, and professional credibility. Without it, your business isn’t recognized by the state, meaning you’re exposing yourself to legal risk and missing out on vital protections. Whether …