|
LLCs required to file new Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report by January 1, 2025 (posted 11/18/2024)
Stiff fines and penalties imposed if report is not filed
Pinedale Online!
Some LLC and other corporate business owners may not be aware of a new law requiring them to file what is called a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report by the end of this year (2024). There are stiff fines and penalties if the form is not filed, so spread the word around to anyone you know who falls under this new law to make sure they are aware of it. Failure to file may become extremely costly, with civil penalties starting at $500 per day and criminal penalties of up to $10,000 and/or two years in prison.
As of January 1, 2024, entities with 20 or fewer employees or less than $5 million in annual gross sales may be required to submit a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCen). The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is a bureau within the United States Department of the Treasury that collects and analyzes information about financial transactions to combat domestic and international money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes. The new beneficial ownership reporting guidelines took effect on January 1, 2024 as part of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). Going forward, many small business entities must report beneficial owners to FinCEN or risk penalties and fines.
As the name implies, a Beneficial Ownership Information report (BOI report) generally provides details about the owner(s) and individuals who control a company. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) was passed as part of the Anti-Money Laundering Act in 2021 by Congress to help law enforcement flag and respond to financial crimes. This bill mandates many businesses to file a beneficial ownership information report to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The stated purpose of this new requirement is to prevent malicious individuals from hiding their identities through the use of shell companies.
According to the Department of Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, "The principal purpose of this collection of information is to generate a database of information that is highly useful in facilitating national security, intelligence, and law enforcement activities, as well as compliance with anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism, and customer due diligence requirements under applicable law. The provision of that information is mandatory and failure to provide that information may result in criminal and civil penalties."
This new requirement applies to corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships (LLPs), Foreign businesses that make a filing with any state are also subject to the CTA. Sole proprietors and general partnerships, which are businesses that are not created by registering with any state, are not subject to the CTA.
There are two main categories of business entities that are exempt from Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requirements.
- Federally regulated business entities, such as financial institutions, publicly traded companies, and insurance companies
- Large business entities with at least 20 full-time employees, over $5 million in gross receipts, and a substantial U.S. presence
Every LLC created in the USA will have to file a BOI report unless it qualifies for an exemption. Any corporation created by filing with a state or tribal jurisdiction in the U.S. must file. As of January 1, 2024, entities with 20 or fewer employees or less than $5 million in annual gross sales may be required to submit a BOI report.
Who is considered a Beneficial Owner:
- Any individual that owns a minimum of 25% of the legal entity.
- Any individual that holds a significant ability to control, manage, or direct the legal entity.
- Any trust that owns a minimum of 25% of the legal entity.
The business is required to submit an electronic form that includes the following information:
- A name, address, birth date, and a unique ID number for each beneficial owner
- A unique ID number could be a driver’s license number or passport number
- The unique ID may not be the owner’s social security number
- A name, address, registered agent, and tax ID number for the business
- Type of BOI filing (initial filing, correction, or update)
When the Beneficial Ownership Information report is due depends on when you formed your entity. For entities created before January 1, 2024, the report is due by January 1, 2025. No reports were accepted prior to January 1, 2024. For businesses created on or after January 1, 2024, the report is due within 90 days from the time the business receives notice that its registration is effective by the state.
BOI reports are filed electronically through a secure filing system available via FinCEN's BOI E-Filing website (https://boiefiling.fincen.gov). The system provides a confirmation of receipt once a report is successfully filed. There are two ways to file the BOIR: (1) upload a completed PDF or (2) complete the webform. Printed versions of the BOI reporting form is not for submission and will not be processed by FinCEN. There is NO fee to file BOI directly with FinCEN-it’s free (don’t be tricked by companies trying to charge fees to file for you).
There is also no annual reporting requirement for the BOI. Reporting companies must file an initial BOI report and corrected or updated BOI reports as needed.
Here’s the government website again for more information: https://boiefiling.fincen.gov
Crews remove Wildcat Canyon Stock Pond Dam near LaBarge (posted 11/18/2024)
Land restoration underway
Bureau of Land Management
LABARGE, WYOMING — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wyoming Pinedale Field Office is proud to announce the successful removal of the Wildcat Canyon Dam, marking a significant step forward in environmental conservation and ecosystem restoration efforts. The removal of this structure marks a major milestone in rejuvenating local habitats and natural processes. Wildcat Canyon is located near the town of LaBarge.
"This project is a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship," said Pinedale Field Manager Stewart Cogswell. "By removing the Wildcat Canyon Stock Pond Dam and restoring the landscape, we are revitalizing a critical ecosystem that will support and contribute to long-term ecological health."
The removal and restoration efforts, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, align with the broader goal of enhancing water quality, bolstering flood resilience, and supporting vegetative and wildlife communities.
For more on how the project began, read the first press release here: (https://www.blm.gov/announcement/blm-begins-dam-removal-work-wildcat-canyon-stock-pond). For additional information, contact Ben Smith at 307-367-5300.
|
New conservation license plate to feature pronghorn (posted 11/18/2024)
Wyoming Game & Fish
As you cruise along Wyoming’s scenic roads, you’ll most likely encounter a pronghorn grazing off in the distance. Their presence on the landscape, and now on the new conservation license plate, serves as a reminder of our state’s rich wildlife heritage.
But what happens when you see a big game animal too close to the road, or nearly hit it? Ask anyone who has driven on a Wyoming highway, and you’ll likely hear a story that raises your blood pressure.
There are more than 8,00 wildlife-vehicle collisions annually in Wyoming. That is 21 wildlife collisions every day. The Wyoming Department of Transportation estimates an average of $11,600 in injury and property damage costs per big game collision. The burden grows greater when factoring the impacts to wildlife. Annually in Wyoming, collisions result in $24-29 million in personal injury costs and $20-23 million per year in wildlife costs.
Recognizing the need to protect drivers and help wildlife, the Wyoming Legislature passed House Bill 39 in 2018 to create a wildlife conservation license plate to help fund efforts to reduce crashes between wildlife and vehicles.
In 2023, wildlife-vehicle crashes made up almost 16% of all reported traffic crashes in Wyoming. Highway underpasses and overpasses, coupled with fencing, can reduce crashes by 80-90% and ensure animals can safely cross roads to get to seasonal ranges.
"People in Wyoming take an amazing amount of pride in the diverse and abundant wildlife in our state. The Wildlife Conservation License Plate supports a good cause and shows others that you are part of a movement of people who are making a difference for wildlife and humans," said Angi Bruce, Director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
Funds generated from the conservation plate help fund overpasses, underpasses, fencing and signage to prevent vehicle-animal collisions along wildlife migration corridors. Since its launch in 2019, the state has issued more than 3,000 conservation license plates, which have raised $968,820 for wildlife crossing projects. When combined with other donations from Wyoming drivers, a total of $1.8 million has been raised for wildlife projects around the state.
"WYDOT is a proud partner in this grassroots movement working to improve safety and maintain connectivity for humans and wildlife alike," said Darin Westby, Director of WYDOT. "The support from public donations and nonprofit fundraising makes wildlife crossing projects unique for WYDOT, and it's easy to support a project that has proven successful at reducing crashes."
The initial price of the plate is $180, with a $50 renewal fee each year, in addition to registration fees. Those who have previously purchased the mule deer conservation plate will need to purchase the new plate as well. The plate is available anytime — not just with renewals. Information on how to purchase the Wildlife Conservation License Plate is on the WYDOT website.
There are additional ways the public can reduce wildlife impacts on the road and help big game. The biggest way is by reducing speeds in areas where wildlife are known to be on the road, especially at dawn and dusk, and heed big game crossing signs.
For more information on efforts to prevent collisions with wildlife, visit the Game and Fish Wildlife Crossing webpage.
Rocky Mountain Power Foundation announces new grant opportunities (posted 11/18/2024)
To organizations focused on community enhancement and the environment
Rocky Mountain Power Foundation
Community-serving organizations in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho transform hope into action every day by showing up to care for their neighbors and the environment. The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation is supporting this important work with a new round of grants to local organizations that are committed to fostering resilient cities, towns and natural areas in our region.
The foundation is donating a total of $256,000 in grants across the three states to underwrite a diverse range of programs and projects, from affordable housing access, job training and rural economic development to ecosystem preservation, trail restoration and nature-based education.
"These organizations lift up our communities and protect our natural surroundings for future generations," said Dick Garlish, director of the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation and president of Rocky Mountain Power. "It is an honor to support their inspiring work and help build communities where everyone can flourish."
This round of grants, focused on community enhancement and environmental respect, is one of four grant cycles offered by the foundation annually. A total of 48 grants were given to local organizations in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming. Sample grants include:
Wyoming-based Organizations:
Albany County:
Albany County Public Library Foundation
Big Horn County:
Big Horn County Library System
Fremont County:
Shoshoni Senior Center
Wyoming Senior Citizens
Lincoln County:
Town of Opal
Natrona County:
City of Casper
Natrona County Public Library Foundation
Platte County:
Keep Glendo Great
Sublette County:
Friends of PAC
Rendezvous Pointe Senior Center
Sweetwater County:
Sweetwater County 4-H Leaders Council
About the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation:
The PacifiCorp Foundation, doing business as the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho, is one of the largest utility-endowed foundations in the United States. The foundation was created by PacifiCorp, an energy company that serves over 2 million customers across a diverse six-state region in the West as Rocky Mountain Power (Utah, Wyoming and Idaho) and Pacific Power (Oregon, Washington and California). The foundation’s mission, through charitable investments, is to support the growth and vitality of the communities served by Rocky Mountain Power and Pacific Power. Since it started in 1988, the PacifiCorp Foundation has awarded more than $77 million to nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit RockyMountainPower.net/Foundation
|
Pinedale Theatre Company presents ‘Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley’ Nov. 22 & 23 (posted 11/13/2024)
Pinedale Theatre Company
The Pinedale Theatre Company (PTC) is proud to present MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon on Friday, November 22 and Saturday, November 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sheppard (Pinedale) Auditorium. A delightful holiday tale, the production is directed by acclaimed theatre artist Anne Mason and features an 8-member ensemble of local actors!
This charming period romance is a sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Set two years after the novel ends, MISS BENNET continues the story with the bookish Bennet sister, Mary, as the play's unlikely heroine. Mary has grown tired of her role as the dutiful middle sister and future spinster in the face of her sister's romantic escapades. When the family gathers for Christmas at Pemberley, an unexpected guest sparks Mary's hopes for independence, an intellectual match, and possibly even love.
PTC is excited to bring Anne Mason back to Sublette County to direct the production. Anne previously directed THE MUSIC MAN with PTC last fall, as well as co-led the organization's first successful summer theatre camp in 2024. As the recipient of the 2022 Governor's Arts Award, we are fortunate to have Anne's expertise in the guiding of this hilarious and touching family-friendly show.
Tickets for MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY are available online at pinedaletheatre.com and locally at Nested West, Cowboy Shop, Office Outlet, Big Piney Office Outlet and at the door the night of the performance. Ticket prices are $25 adults / $10 students.
This event is presented by The Pinedale Theatre Company with support from The Wyoming Community Foundation, Wyoming Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, Sublette BOCES, Sublette County Recreation Board, and Foundation23.
The holidays are closer than you think (posted 11/13/2024)
Mail and package send-by dates are fast approaching
Because of the way holiday dates fall this year, when you get back from Thanksgiving holiday, it will already be December. That creates a short time frame for those making and buying holiday gifts for friends and loved ones. For those who are planning on putting holiday packages in the mail, here are upcoming recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before Christmas, December 25th.
Recommended send-by dates for holiday mail and packages:
USPS Ground Advantage: The last day to mail is December 18, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. Packages typically arrive within two to five business days.
USPS First-Class Mail: The last day to mail is December 18, including Alaska and Hawaii. This service is only available for envelopes and postcards, and cards typically arrive within one to five business days.
USPS Priority Mail: The last day to mail is December 19, including Alaska and Hawaii. This flat-rate shipping option typically delivers packages and cards within one to three business days.
USPS Priority Mail Express: The last day to mail is December 21, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. This flat-rate shipping option is for gifts that need to arrive within two business days.
FedEx Express Saver: The last day to mail is December 19.
FedEx Ground: The last day to mail depends on the shipping speed selected. For example, the last day to mail for one-day shipping is December 23, while the last day to mail for two-day shipping is December 20.
UPS Next Day Air: The last day to mail is the day before the desired delivery date.
Recovering road-killed wildlife on Wyoming roads requires authorization from Game and Fish (posted 11/13/2024)
Wyoming Game & Fish
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department wants to remind the public that recovering road-killed wildlife requires authorization. People need approval from Game and Fish prior to collection through the Wyoming 511 app. Authorization for the collection can be done through the app, even without cellular service.
The public can request authorization to salvage deer, elk, antelope, moose, wild bison and wild turkey from unintentional vehicle collisions.
A person who is authorized to collect roadkill must abide by the safety guidelines outlined within the regulation:
Only take road-killed wildlife from a public road or highway from sunrise until sunset.
Parking off the road is required and emergency flashers must be used.
No field dressing of any kind is permitted on the roadway.
The whole animal must be taken and the inedible portions must be properly disposed of in an approved landfill.
Safety considerations prohibit people from picking up carcasses from extremely busy roadways, such as interstates 25, 80 and 90. It also disallows collection in active construction areas and within national parks in Wyoming.
To request authorization through the Wyoming 511 app, look for the "Report Roadkill" button on the home screen. If the species is available for collection in an approved location, the user can request authorization. The app immediately sends a certificate upon completing the questionnaire. Requestors must currently have or create a username and password with the Game and Fish to gain authorization.
Full collection guidelines and the regulation is available on the Game and Fish website: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/licenses-applications/permits/roadkill-collection
Wyoming Game & Fish to host mule deer conversations across the state (posted 10/29/2024)
Wyoming Game & Fish
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is inviting the public to participate in a series of conversations focused on mule deer conservation throughout the state in the coming months. These discussions offer a unique opportunity for the public to engage directly with Game and Fish, share insights and discuss the future of Wyoming’s mule deer management.
Local wildlife biologists and game wardens will facilitate discussions on various aspects of mule deer management and conservation. Participants are invited to share their opinions on the future of mule deer, explore both statewide and regional challenges and have the opportunity to share their perspectives on local mule deer herds.
Mule deer are a highly-valued species in Wyoming, drawing widespread interest from hunters, landowners and wildlife enthusiasts. However, mule deer populations have declined across the West for decades. Game and Fish is committed to understanding and conserving this iconic species. A recent survey of resident mule deer hunters highlighted a strong desire for many to stay involved in updates and conversations about mule deer. Mule deer community conversations are designed to provide an opportunity for Wyomingites to have those discussions.
"These meetings are intended to provide the public with an opportunity to directly engage with local wildlife managers regarding mule deer conservation and management," said Deputy Chief of Wildlife Justin Binfet.
Casper Region:
Dec. 3: Lusk, 6-8 pm, Niobrara County Fairgrounds
Dec. 4: Douglas, 6-8 pm, Converse Co. Library
Dec. 5: Glenrock, 6-8 pm, Glenrock Library Meeting Hall
Dec. 6: Casper, 6-8 pm, Casper WGFD office
Dec. 11: Newcastle, 5-7 pm, USDA Building 1225 Washington Blvd.
Dec. 12: Sundance, 6-8 pm, Crook County Courthouse basement
Cody Region:
Dec. 3: Worland, 6-8 pm, Washakie County Fairgrounds, 501 15 Mile Rd, Worland, WY
Dec. 6: Thermopolis, 6-8 pm, Hot Springs County Fire Hall, 400 S 14th St, Thermopolis, WY
Dec. 12: Greybull, 5-7 pm, Greybull Town Hall, 24 S 5th St, Greybull, WY
Lovell: 5-7 pm, Lovell Fire Hall, 314 Nevada Ave, Lovell, WY
Dec. 13: Powell, 4-5:30 pm, WyOld West Brewing Company in Powell (221 N Bent St, Powell, WY 82435)
Dec. 14: Cody, 4-5:30 pm, Millstone Pizza Company & Brewing in Cody (1057 Sheridan Ave, Cody, WY 82414)
Green River Region:
Nov. 13: Baggs, 6-8 pm, Higher Education Building
Dec. 12: Green River, 6-8 pm, WGFD Green River Office
Dec. 16: Kemmerer, 6-8 pm, Best Western
Dec. 17: Cokeville, 6-8 pm, Town Hall
Dec. 18: Evanston, 6-8 pm, TBD - Likely Portland Rose Room at the Round House.
Dec. 19: Mountain View, 6-8 pm, School Board Room
Jackson Region:
Nov. 18: Thayne, 5 pm, Community Center
Dec. 2: Jackson, 5:30 pm, Teton County Library
Lander Region: DATES COMING SOON
Laramie Region
Aug. 22: Elk Mountain, 6-8 pm, Elk Mountain Town Park
Aug. 29: Medicine Bow, 6-8 pm, Medicine Bow C-Spear
Nov. 4: Jelm, 6-8 pm, Woods Landing (9 WY 10)
Nov. 6, Cheyenne, 5-7 pm, Laramie County Shooting Complex (13802 Bullseye Blvd)
Nov. 7: Torrington, 5-7 pm, Rendezvous Center, Goshen County Fairgrounds (7078 Fairgrounds Rd)
Nov. 12: Wheatland, 5-7 pm, Agriplex, Platte County Fairgrounds (59 Antelope Gap Rd)
Nov. 14: Saratoga, 6-8 pm, Silver Saddle Room, Saratoga Resort (601 Pic Pike Rd)
Dec. 18: Pinedale:, 5-9 pm, Pinedale Library, Lovatt Room
Sheridan: DATES COMING SOON
Christmas tree permits available on the Bridger-Teton National Forest (posted 10/13/2024)
Bridger-Teton National Forest
Christmas tree permits will be available to purchase at Bridger-Teton National Forest district offices and online through Recreation.gov beginning October 13. Details about where to cut, dates, height restrictions and more can be found at Recreation.gov.
"National forests are full of beautiful landscapes that offer memorable experiences for all," said USDA Forest Service Chief Randy Moore. "Experiences become memories that last through generations, and exploring a national forest to select a tree that becomes the centerpiece for the holiday season creates a connection between the forest and a family’s story."
To purchase a Christmas tree permit online, visit Recreation.gov and search "Bridger-Teton National Forest Christmas Tree Permit." It is important to carefully read through the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. Visitors will also need to set up or login to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction. Each permit is $15, plus a $2.50 processing fee. Users can purchase up to five trees per account. The permit must be printed and placed in the windshield of your vehicle as you remove your tree(s) from the Forest.
Many Forest roads are subject to seasonal closures. Visit the Bridger-Teton Alerts and Notices webpage to know the current Forest orders, alerts, notifications and closures. Free motor vehicle use maps may be available at district offices, online via the Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/btnf or by downloading the Avenza App on your smart phone or tablet.
Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied). Kids of all ages can download, color and decorate their tree with this Christmas tree ornament coloring page for a fun, handmade addition to their tree. Call your local U.S. Forest Service office for more information about the Every Kid Outdoors program.
Cutting a Christmas tree also improves forest health. The permit system helps to thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees that tend to be the perfect size for Christmas trees. Removing these trees in designated areas helps other trees grow larger and can open areas that provide food for wildlife.
For other news, events and information about the Bridger-Teton National Forest, call 307-739-5500, visit the Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/btnf and follow the Bridger-Teton on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) @BridgerTetonNF
|
Business
Directory
|
