Under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a beneficial owner is defined as an individual who meets one or both of the following criteria:

• Substantial Control: The individual has significant responsibility to control, manage, or direct the company. This can include roles such as a senior officer, a board member, or someone with the authority to make important decisions for the company.
• Ownership Interest: The individual directly or indirectly owns or controls at least 25% of the ownership interests in the company. Ownership interests can include shares, voting rights, or other forms of equity.

It’s important to note that the CTA aims to identify the natural persons behind the entities, so entities themselves, as well as minor children, agents, nominees, and employees acting solely in their employment capacity, are generally not considered beneficial owners. The specific definitions and requirements may vary, and it’s advisable to consult with legal or compliance experts to ensure accurate identification and reporting of beneficial owners.