Resources

Client Alerts, News Articles, Blog Posts, & Multimedia

Everything you need to know about BMD and the industry.

Corporate Transparency Act Update

Client Alert
December 27, 2023

For a more detailed overview on the CTA, and the changes business owners should expect at the turn of the calendar, click here. A webinar providing further explanation can be viewed here, which was presented December 7.

The Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”), with an effective date of January 1, 2024, is set to impose strict reporting guidelines on business owners throughout the country.  The below provides a brief update on two aspects of the CTA ahead of its effectiveness next week.

Access and Safeguards Final Rule

On December 21, 2023, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network issued the final rule setting forth the access and security guidelines (the “Access Guidelines”) related to the CTA.

The Access Guidelines detail six categories of authorized recipients who may access the beneficial ownership reporting information reported by business owners pursuant to the CTA (collectively, “BOI”): (i) federal agencies engaged in national security, intelligence, or law enforcement activity; (ii) state law enforcement agencies; (iii) foreign law enforcement agencies; (iv) financial institutions facilitating compliance with customer due diligence requirements under applicable law; (v) federal functional regulators assisting financial institutions under (iv) above; and (vi) Department of Treasury officers and employees.

Even if an agency is an “authorized recipient” under the Access Guidelines, that agency must satisfy several security and confidentiality requirements to ensure the proper protection of BOI after its receipt.  These recipient agencies are then further prohibited from re-disclosing BOI, unless one of eight enumerated circumstances is present.  Disclosure in violation of the Access Guidelines carries civil penalties in the amount of $500 for each day a violation continues or has not been remedied, and criminal penalties of not more $250,000 or imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both.

Trend Amongst Service Professionals

Throughout the rulemaking process, it has become clear that the varying levels of analysis required for a given business’ compliance with the CTA is the “practice of law.”  Ohio Revised Code § 4705.07(A)(3) prohibits any person who is not licensed to practice law in the State of Ohio from committing any act that is deemed to be the practice of law.  Actions in contravention of R.C. § 4705.07 carry steep civil penalties.

Recognizing the legal components of the CTA, numerous professional associations throughout the country, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Ohio Society of CPAs, and the BDO Alliance USA, have advised their membership to consider speaking with legal counsel for their liability risks associated with CTA reporting.

Service providers should direct their clients to consult with an attorney concerning their reporting obligations under the CTA to avoid any liability for the unauthorized practice of law.

For questions regarding the CTA and how your business should prepare for the new mandatory reporting, please do not hesitate to contact BMD Member Blake Gerney (brgerney@bmdllc.com) or BMD Attorney Jacob Davis (jrdavis@bmdllc.com).

 

Business & Corporate LawEmployement LawCorporate Transparency ActBlake R. GerneyJacob R. DavisBeneficial Ownership Information Reporting
Client Alert

Department of Education Proposes Redefinition of “Professional Degree,” Excluding Nursing and Limiting Graduate Loan Borrowing

February 20, 2026The U.S. Department of Education has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would redefine “professional degree” programs under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The proposal excludes nursing from the recognized list and would impose new borrowing limits for graduate students while eliminating the Grad PLUS program. Public comments are due by March 2, 2026.Client Alert

First-of-Its-Kind Federal Ruling Finds Use of Consumer AI Tool May Destroy Attorney-Client Privilege

February 17, 2026On February 10, 2026, Judge Jed Rakoff of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York issued a first-of-its-kind ruling finding that documents generated by a criminal defendant using a consumer AI platform were not protected by attorney-client privilege after being shared with counsel. The court treated the AI tool as a third party, concluding that entering sensitive information into a publicly available platform may waive confidentiality. The ruling also suggests that the work product doctrine may not apply where AI-generated materials are created independently by a client rather than at counsel’s direction. The decision signals that parties should exercise caution when using consumer AI tools in connection with legal matters.Client Alert

Your Golden Chance for H-1B Lottery Registration - March 2026

February 16, 2026USCIS H-1B registration opens March 4–19, 2026. U.S.-based employees on valid nonimmigrant status are exempt from the $100,000 fee for change of status petitions. The new weighted lottery favors higher-skilled and higher-paid employees, improving odds for advanced degree holders and Wage Level 3 or 4 workers.Client Alert

Invisible Algorithms: The Hidden Role of Artificial Intelligence in USCIS Immigration Processing

February 10, 2026The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that artificial intelligence and machine learning tools are now integrated into numerous operational functions within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These tools are described as mechanisms to improve efficiency, reduce backlogs, and assist officers in managing an unprecedented volume of applications. DHS emphasizes that human adjudicators retain decision-making authority and that AI systems do not independently grant or deny immigration benefits. Find out how AI affects the U.S. immigration process.Client Alert

OAAPN | Year In Review: 2026 Ohio Board of Nursing and Ohio Law Rules

February 9, 2026Find out key changes to Ohio law and the Ohio Board of Nursing rules that have directly impacted APRN practice over the past year, including Psychiatric Inpatient Documents, Intimate Examinations, Signature Authority, Duties Related to Fetal Death, Retail IV Therapy Clinics, Release from Permanent Restrictions, Disciplinary Action, Course on Drugs and Prescriptive Authority, Overdose Reversal Drugs, Office Based Opioid Treatment, Withdrawal Management for Substance Use Disorder, Safe Haven Program, and more.
Older posts
Newer posts