How New Jersey Businesses Can Simplify BEA Reporting Requirements and BEA Reporting Deadlines
We’ve walked through BE-12, BE-13, BE-15, and six other BEA reports so far, each aimed at capturing a different slice of U.S. international investment. And if it's not clear by now, a single business enterprise might be on the hook for several of them at once.
You could have a foreign affiliate that triggers one form, direct investment abroad that triggers another, and cross-border services that bring a third into the mix. And while the Bureau of Economic Analysis offers the tools, the actual process is not always simple.
This article aims to offer a bit of clarity, cutting through the complexity and helping business owners like you understand how to stay ahead of BEA reporting requirements.
The Four Types of BEA Deadlines You Need to Track
The good news is you don’t need to memorize a wall of dates. In reality, all BEA deadlines fall into four main categories. If you can track these, you’re already ahead of most operating companies trying to stay compliant.
Annual filings
Annual BEA filings are your once-a-year check-ins with the federal government. These are the forms you’re required to submit each year if your business meets the relevant reporting thresholds. Most are due in late spring, typically around May or June, and no, you don’t need to wait for the BEA to contact you. If you're required to file, you're expected to know. Here's what that includes:
Benchmark surveys
Benchmark surveys occur every five years. They’re designed to give the Bureau of Economic Analysis a deep, detailed snapshot of all qualifying U.S. international investment activity. These reports cover more ground and are mandatory even for companies that might not meet normal filing thresholds during non-benchmark years. Here are the three benchmark surveys from our series:BE-12: The next filing year is 2028. The BEA doesn’t release benchmark survey deadlines far in advance, so we don’t yet know the exact date..
BE-10: 2025 is a benchmark year for the BE-10 survey. File by May 30 if you’re submitting fewer than 50 forms, or by June 30 if you’re filing more.
BE-180: The next BE-180 filing, covering activity in 2024, is due by July 31, 2025.
Quarterly filings
Quarterly filings follow a fixed schedule tied to the calendar. If you're required to file, you're looking at deadlines shortly after the end of each quarter, including March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. The common forms here include:Transactional filings
Transactional filings are triggered by specific events. The big one here is Form BE-13, which is due within 45 days of a qualifying foreign investment into a U.S. business enterprise. Also, if a previous report needs correcting, the BEA wants you to submit an amendment right away.
Practical Tips to Stay Ahead of the Curve
With a few low-effort systems, like calendar reminders and internal checkpoints, you can stay on top of each due date and file fewer corrections later. Here’s how to make BEA filings a routine, not a fire drill.
Build internal reminders or use compliance tracking tools
Assign a point person or team to monitor activity that could trigger a filing
Don’t wait for the BEA to contact you, reporting obligations apply even if they don’t send a notice
Wrapping Up
We hope this helped you get a firmer grip on the different BEA reporting deadlines and how your business can stay compliant without getting buried in paperwork. Whether you’re dealing with a foreign affiliate, tracking sales or net income, or preparing for the next benchmark survey, the goal is to stay ready, not reactive. In the final article in this series, we’ll take a step back and look at why all this reporting matters, specifically, how this data helps shape U.S. economic policy and our role in global trade.
Are you wondering about any of the issues mentioned above? Please email us at Info@staturelegal.law or call (732) 320-9831 for assistance.
At Stature Legal, we give business owners the clarity they need to fund, grow, protect, and sell their businesses. We are trustworthy business advisors keeping your business on TRACK: Trustworthy. Reliable. Available. Caring. Knowledgeable.®
FAQs
Can I use one BEA account to file multiple forms or for multiple entities?
Yes, BEA’s eFile system allows you to use a single account to manage multiple filings, even across different entities. Once you're logged in, you can link each applicable survey by entering the relevant identification details. This makes it easier to centralize filings if you oversee multiple business units or report on behalf of several affiliates.
What happens if I miss a BEA deadline or file the wrong form?
If you miss a deadline or file the wrong BEA form, your business may face civil fines and compliance enforcement. The sooner you catch the issue and submit a correction or amendment, the better. In most cases, the BEA allows late filings or amendments, but proactive communication is key to avoiding penalties.
Does the BEA notify me if I’m required to file?
The BEA may contact you, but notification is not guaranteed and it’s not required. If your business meets the criteria for a given survey, you must file. Failing to do so simply because you weren’t notified does not protect you from penalties.
Can my CPA or attorney file on my behalf?
Yes, you may designate a representative to handle the filing. But under BEA regulations, the reporting obligation still rests with the U.S. business enterprise, even if the filing is outsourced.