How to File BEA Reports Online: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve been following along, we’ve spent time breaking down the BEA reporting requirements for New Jersey businesses, from the threshold rules for new foreign direct investment to the categories covered under the Services Survey Act. We’ve talked about what qualifies, who qualifies, and when these mandatory surveys are due.

But here’s something we haven’t covered yet: the mechanics of actually filing. Because even if you’ve nailed every detail of the report, you still need to get it across the finish line, and that’s where today’s guide comes in. Let’s talk about how to file a BEA report online, how to amend one if needed, and why it’s more than just ticking a box.

Quick Recap: Understanding BEA Reports: What They Are and Why They Matter

If your business licenses software to a foreign client, sets up a branch abroad, or has a foreign parent company with voting interest in your operations, you’re on the BEA’s radar. That’s because the Bureau of Economic Analysis collects this data to create a clearer picture of international investment and how it shapes the U.S. business landscape.

You’ve probably seen the word foreign direct investment in just about every form name we've covered. In the broad legal sense, direct investment starts when a foreign person owns 10% or more of the voting securities, or has an equivalent interest in the case of a partnership, LLC, or other legal entity. That ownership threshold triggers reporting. And it flows both ways:

• Inward foreign direct investment: Your company receives investment or ownership from a foreign entity. (Think BE-13 or BE-12)

• Outward foreign direct investment: Your company invests abroad, setting up foreign affiliates. (BE-10,  BE-11, BE-577)

Other than direction, these reports also differ based on how often they’re filed. Here’s what that means:

• Benchmark surveys are the most comprehensive and typically filed once every five years. They give the BEA a full snapshot of foreign direct investment and international activity during that period. Examples include, BE-12, BE-10, and BE-180.

• Annual surveys like BE-15 and BE-11 keep the BEA updated on active ownership positions and affiliate performance between benchmarks.

• Quarterly surveys such as BE-605, BE-577, and BE-125 provide more frequent updates on transactions and investment flows, helping the BEA monitor economic changes in near-real time.

• Transactional filings are triggered when a qualifying event occurs, like when a foreign entity establishes a new U.S. business or acquires enough voting interest to meet the reporting threshold. In this context, the only applicable survey is the BE-13.

Here’s a quick-reference table summarizing the different survey types we just covered:

Step-By-Step: How to File a BEA Report Online

Here’s how to file your BEA report online:

• Step 1: Determine if you are required to file
  Our previous articles break down the thresholds for things like foreign ownership, new legal entities, and international investment transactions, but those are just starting points. Because the BEA doesn’t offer blanket rules, and every U.S. business enterprise is different, your best move is to talk to a qualified attorney who understands the filing requirements that apply to your situation.

• Step 2: Create an eFile account
  Next, head to the BEA’s eFile system. If you already have an account, enter your details and log in. If you don’t, click the “Register” link just above the username fields. Once you hit “Register,” the system will ask you to pick a username and you’ll need to check if it’s available before moving on. If it is, you’ll be prompted to enter your full name, email address, and a secure password. Submit the request, and that’s your account setup.

• Step 3: Link the survey to your account
  Once you’re signed in, the next step is connecting the right survey to your account. Head to the Survey Tools section in the BEA eFile portal. From there, you can link the applicable report by entering either your survey ID or identifying details about your U.S. business enterprise. Once it’s linked, it’ll show up under “Linked Surveys” on your dashboard.

• Step 4: Select the correct entity
  Now, from the “Linked Surveys” list, select the business enterprise you’re filing on behalf of. Clicking that takes you to the survey homepage tailored to your report. It’s here that you’ll manage filings for the right fiscal quarter, track past submissions, and get the tools you need to meet your filing requirements on time.

• Step 5: Choose the right filing period
  From the survey homepage, scroll until you see a section labeled Filing Periods. It’ll list each open reporting window. Just click the period you're working on, and that will take you to the dedicated report dashboard.

• Step 6: Download and complete the report
  Once you've selected your filing period, scroll down to the bottom of the report dashboard to find the form options. If prompted, you’ll need to select whether you're filing a full form or submitting a claim for exemption. After that, download the PDF survey, fill it out with the correct data, and save a copy for your records.

• Step 7: Submit the completed form
  Once your form is filled out and double-checked, head back to the same report homepage where you downloaded it. This is where you'll upload and submit it electronically. Just follow the on-screen prompts to attach your completed PDF.

How to Amend a BEA Report Filing

Mistakes happen. You might enter the wrong transaction value, misclassify a service under the wrong code, or accidentally leave out a foreign affiliate. The Bureau of Economic Analysis understands that anyone can slip up. If something looks off in your submission, you can amend your report in the following steps:

• Log in to your account.

• Select the Linked Survey and the fiscal quarter tied to the original submission.

• Scroll to the report homepage and select the “Amend Filing” option.

• Download the original PDF, revise the sections containing errors, and save.

• Return to the report homepage, upload the corrected version, and click submit.

The Bottom Line for New Jersey Businesses

We hope this guide gave you the clarity you need on how to file BEA reports and handle amendments without second-guessing yourself. If your business enterprise is part of the global economy, whether through foreign affiliates or new inward direct investment transactions, this is how you stay compliant and out of the penalty zone. Next up, we’ll share ways to simplify the entire filing process so you can stay focused on growth.

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

Do I Have to File More Than One BEA Form?

Yes, you might have to file more than one BEA form. It depends on the type of international activity your business is involved in. For example, if you have a foreign investor, you may need to file BE-12, but if you also provide financial services to foreign clients, BE-180 could apply too. Each form serves a different purpose, so it’s not uncommon for companies to fall under multiple filing requirements.

If I Didn’t Get a Letter From the BEA, Do I Still Have to File?

Yes, you may still be required to file even if you weren’t directly contacted by the BEA. The obligation to file is based on your business activity, not whether you received a letter. If your company meets the thresholds for any given survey, you’re expected to report. Failing to do so can lead to penalties, even if the BEA never reached out.

Can Someone Else (Like My Accountant or Attorney) File on My Behalf?

Yes, your accountant, attorney, or another trusted advisor can file your BEA report for you. Many business owners choose this route, especially when the reporting involves complex transactions. Just remember that even if someone else handles the submission, your business is still legally responsible for what's reported.