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Corporate Transparency Act Overhauled: U.S. Entities No Longer Required to Report

Client Alert

Over the past several months, the federal judiciary has provided numerous rulings on the enforceability of the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”), which became effective January 1, 2024. For a more detailed overview on the CTA, click here.

On February 28th, we alerted business owners that they no longer had an obligation to submit reporting per updated guidance from the Department of Treasury. At the time, the Department of Treasury provided that the CTA would be re-evaluated in the coming weeks.

On March 21st, as promised, the Department of Treasury issued an interim final rule that significantly re-works the CTA. Going forward, all entities created in the United States and their beneficial owners will be exempt from the CTA’s reporting requirements. 

The only entities that are still required to submit beneficial ownership reporting are non-U.S. entities (entities formed under the laws of a foreign country) that are registered to do business in any U.S. state or tribal jurisdiction. Importantly, though, these non-U.S. entities are not required to submit beneficial ownership information for any of their owners that are U.S. citizens.

For further guidance on the changing landscape of CTA reporting, business owners should reach out to their BMD legal advisors or contact BMD Member Blake Gerney at brgerney@bmdllc.com.


Client Alert: AAA Introduces AI-Assisted Arbitrator for Certain Disputes

The American Arbitration Association has introduced an AI-assisted arbitration platform designed to streamline certain document-based disputes. While a human arbitrator still makes the final decision, the technology can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate case resolution. Companies should weigh these benefits against considerations such as transparency, risk, and contractual requirements before adopting AI-assisted arbitration.

Quiet Hours Texts and TCPA Claims: Consent Remains King as Courts Divide on Text Messages

Businesses face increasing TCPA lawsuits over off-hours marketing texts, but recent court decisions highlight strong defenses. Clear consumer consent and updated terms and conditions can defeat many claims, while a growing number of courts are finding that text messages are not “telephone calls” under the statute. Proactive compliance measures, including clickwrap agreements and forum-selection clauses, are critical to reducing risk.

New Ohio Reporting Requirements for Non-Residential Contractors

Ohio’s E-Verify Workforce Integrity Act, effective March 19, 2026, requires all nonresidential construction companies, subcontractors, and labor brokers to use E-Verify to confirm employee work eligibility on projects across the state. The law applies regardless of company size and carries financial penalties and potential restrictions on future state contracts for noncompliance. Some uncertainty remains around requirements for existing employees, making early compliance planning important.

DOT Non-Domiciled CDL Rule

A new rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will significantly narrow eligibility for non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) beginning March 16, 2026. The rule limits eligibility to holders of H-2A, H-2B, and E-2 visas and eliminates Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) as qualifying proof of work authorization. As a result, many lawfully present and work-authorized immigrants, including refugees, asylees, DACA recipients, and Temporary Protected Status holders, will no longer be able to obtain or renew a non-domiciled CDL. The change is expected to affect roughly 194,000 drivers nationwide and has prompted multiple legal challenges, including a pending emergency stay request before the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule Now in Effect

FinCEN’s new Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule, effective March 1, 2026, requires certain real estate transfers to be reported to combat financial crimes. Transfers of residential property to entities or trusts without financing may require a Real Estate Report.