In this week’s episode of Unstoppable Real Estate Agents, Kim is joined by Lucy Hebron, a highly regarded figure in the legal landscape. Lucy brings over 30 years of expertise as a licensed attorney, business owner, and the manager of Hebron Law Firm PLLC. Her multifaceted career includes serving as a former county judge, delivering insightful lectures on bankruptcy, legal matters, court administration, and ethical practices. Lucy's commitment to education extends to her role as a professor in the paralegal studies department at a local community college. Additionally, she's an accomplished author, having penned "Debt Free & Stress Free: Your Journal to Financial Freedom," all while gracefully balancing the role of a devoted mother.

In this episode, Lucy sheds light on the impending impact of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), set to take effect on January 1st, 2024. "This is the single biggest piece of legislation that's going to affect small businesses in about 10 years," she remarks, emphasizing its far-reaching implications for entities like LLCs and corporations, both established and potential.

The CTA is Congress's response to combating money laundering and identifying illicit businesses hiding behind corporate veils. Lucy analogizes it to the post-9/11 airport security changes, aiming to differentiate legitimate businesses from potential wrongdoers. The Act mandates that LLCs and corporations prove their legitimacy, necessitating disclosure of detailed background information. Lucy explains that the Act encompasses various entities—LLCs, single-member LLCs, Professional LLCs, and corporations—regardless of their status or inactivity. Even dormant entities are subject to the reporting requirements, making compliance inevitable for most small businesses.

The primary objective of the CTA is to establish a comprehensive federal database, enabling government agencies and financial institutions to identify beneficial owners of entities, those holding a 25% or greater stake. Failure to comply with reporting requirements can lead to severe penalties, prompting Lucy's advice to proactively address this mandate.

While the CTA poses significant challenges for small businesses, staying informed and proactive is crucial. Lucy's insights serve as a compass, guiding entrepreneurs through the complex legal landscape ahead. She underlines the need for vigilance, advising businesses to take proactive measures, follow legal counsel, and stay updated with state and federal regulations. Understanding and adhering to the Corporate Transparency Act will safeguard businesses from penalties and ensure continued lawful operation.

EPISODE RESOURCES:
Show Notes: https://www.kimhughes.com/podcast/wha...

Lucy's Book "Debt Free & Stress Free: Your Journal to Financial Freedom" is available to download at https://www.hebronlaw.com/.

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