Condemn the Corporate Transparency Act; ask Congress to repeal
Impact
The resolution emphasizes that the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is expected to collect an overwhelming amount of data due to the CTA, which could reach 32 million new reports in 2024 alone. This situation highlights the potential strain on small businesses, many of whom may not be aware of the new compliance regulations and the severe penalties for non-compliance, which include fines and possible jail time. The resolution seeks to raise awareness about these impacts and to call for the repeal of the CTA on the grounds that it undermines the operational viability of small enterprises.
Summary
SCR10 is a concurrent resolution introduced in the Ohio General Assembly to condemn the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which was enacted by Congress in 2021. This Act is aimed at tightening money laundering laws by creating a registry of small businesses, specifically targeting those with less than $5 million in annual sales and fewer than 20 employees. The resolution expresses concern that the new requirements imposed by the CTA are burdensome and unreasonable for small business operators, a demographic that makes up a significant portion of the American economy.
Contention
Notably, the resolution reflects a broader concern shared among various small business representatives and advocacy groups who believe the CTA's requirements exceed what is manageable or necessary for effective regulatory compliance. The overwhelming consensus among these stakeholders is that the legislation could place small businesses at a significant disadvantage compared to larger enterprises with more resources and capacity to handle such regulatory demands. The arguments put forth in SCR10 suggest a strong pushback against federal oversight that might stifle the growth and sustainability of small businesses across Ohio.