SCAM ALERT: Third party offering filing services for Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOI) under new rulings concerning corporate transparency act

SCAM ALERT

You may receive the following email or letter in the mail unsolicited from Filing Associates:  

“The submission of the Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOI) Is a new filing under the corporate transparency act. with very few exemptions. At Filing Associates, we have developed our Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOI) filing service to streamline the filing process and ensure your business remains compliant with federal regulations. Our service is fast, secure, and user-friendly, providing a reliable and efficient solution to meet your filing needs. Please be aware that Filing Associates offering this service is not affiliated, endorsed, or approved by any governmental entity. We do not provide legal or financial advice. The Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOI) service we are offering is not an endorsement or approval by any government agency. Our engagement is limited to having one of our specialists file the information you have provided. You will be provided and disclosed all filing documents and your FINCEN ID. 

We understand that the BOI filing process can be stressful, so we encourage you to choose Filing Associates to simplify your BOI report filing and ensure your ongoing compliance with federal and state regulations.”

**END OF EMAIL**

Yes, this email is highly suspicious and likely a scam. Here’s why:

  1. Deceptive Use of new rules and policies – The email implies a government connection while later disclaiming any official affiliation. Scammers often exploit new regulations (like the Corporate Transparency Act) to trick businesses into paying unnecessary fees.
  2. Unsolicited Offer – Legitimate government agencies do not send unsolicited emails encouraging you to use third-party services.
  3. BOI Filing Is Free – The FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network), which administers the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) filing, allows businesses to submit their reports for free on the official FinCEN website (https://www.fincen.gov/boi).
  4. No Government Endorsement – Despite disclaimers, the email’s language creates the illusion of necessity and urgency to mislead businesses into paying for an unnecessary or overpriced service.

What You Should Do

  • Do NOT click on links in the email.
  • Report the email as spam/phishing to your email provider.
  • Verify directly by visiting the official FinCEN website (https://www.fincen.gov) for BOI filing requirements.
  • If in doubt, consult a trusted legal or financial professional.

Public Notice on Tax Professionals and Government Filings

Tax professionals and accountants play a vital role in assisting individuals and businesses with important filings and compliance requirements. While many government agencies allow businesses and individuals to file certain forms free of charge, the process can often be complex, time-sensitive, and require detailed financial understanding.

Professional tax preparers and accountants charge for their time, expertise, and knowledge to ensure that filings are:
✔️ Completed correctly to avoid costly errors or penalties
✔️ Submitted on time to maintain compliance with federal and state regulations
✔️ Filed for the appropriate amounts to prevent underpayments or overpayments

Many business owners and individuals choose to work with tax professionals to ensure their financial and regulatory obligations are met accurately and efficiently. While self-filing options exist for various tax forms and government reports, having an experienced professional manage the process provides peace of mind, reduces risk, and allows businesses to focus on their operations.

Before paying for any filing service, always verify whether the form can be submitted directly to a government agency at no cost and evaluate whether professional assistance is beneficial to your specific needs.

 

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