US Affiliates of Foreign Firms Face Annual Investment Survey
Published Date: 2/28/2025
Notice
Summary
The BE-15 survey is a must-do for U.S. businesses with at least 10% foreign ownership. It helps the government understand how foreign investments affect the U.S. economy. Reports covering last year’s data are due by May 31, or June 30 if filed online, so get ready to share your info and keep the economy’s story clear!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory BE-15 reporting if ≥10% foreign-owned
If your U.S. business has a foreign person owning at least 10% of voting stock (or an equivalent in an unincorporated business), you are required to file the BE-15 survey when additional Form BE-15 conditions apply. BEA will mail reporting instructions to entities required to respond, and entities not contacted by BEA have no reporting responsibilities.
Estimated paperwork burden per response
BEA estimates the public reporting burden for the BE-15 collection averages 24.3 hours per response. This estimate is posted with OMB control number 0608-0034 and can be reviewed at www.reginfo.gov under that control number.
Filing deadlines and electronic filing option
A completed BE-15 report for an entity's prior fiscal year is due by May 31, or by June 30 if the reporting company files using BEA's eFile system. BE-15 forms and instructions are available at www.bea.gov/fdi and reports can be submitted through BEA's electronic system at www.bea.gov/efile or by mail or fax.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06040, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Direct Investment Surveys: BE-605, Quarterly Survey of Foreign Direct Investment in the United States-Transactions of U.S. Affiliate With Foreign Parent
The Department of Commerce is updating a quarterly survey that asks U.S. companies owned by foreign parents about their business deals. About 2,100 companies respond each quarter, spending around an hour each time. This update helps keep important economic data accurate without adding extra hassle, and the public has 30 more days to share their thoughts.
2026-06039, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Direct Investment Surveys: BE-13, Survey of New Foreign Direct Investment in the United States
The government is asking businesses with new foreign investments in the U.S. to keep filling out the BE-13 survey, which helps track how much foreign money is coming into the country. About 3,400 companies will respond yearly, spending around 36 minutes each. This survey stays mandatory, with no changes, and helps understand the impact of foreign investments on the U.S. economy.
2026-05075, BE-11: Annual Survey of U.S. Direct Investment Abroad
The BE-11 survey asks U.S. companies that own more than half of a foreign business to share info about their investments abroad. This helps the government understand how American money moves around the world and affects the economy. If you’re one of these companies, get ready to report your last fiscal year’s data by May 31—it’s mandatory and important!
2026-05080, BE-29: Annual Survey of Foreign Ocean Carriers' Expenses in the United States
The BE-29 survey asks U.S. agents of foreign ocean carriers to report their expenses in the U.S. if they handled 40+ port calls or spent $250,000+ in a year. This mandatory survey helps the government track trade in shipping services and understand its impact on the economy. Reports are due within 45 days after the calendar year ends, so get ready to share your numbers on time!
2026-05074, BE-577: Quarterly Survey of U.S. Direct Investment Abroad-Transactions of U.S. Reporter With Foreign Affiliate
If your U.S. business owns or controls a foreign company, you’ll need to fill out the BE-577 survey every quarter. This survey helps the government track how much money U.S. companies invest abroad and how it affects the economy. You’ll have 30 days after each quarter to report, or 45 days if it’s the year’s final quarter—so keep an eye on those deadlines!
2026-05076, BE-9: Quarterly Survey of Foreign Airline Operators' Revenues and Expenses in the United States
If you work for a foreign airline with offices in the U.S., you’ll need to fill out a quarterly survey about your money coming in and going out here. This helps the government understand how foreign airlines impact the U.S. economy and trade. You’ll have 30 days after each quarter to send in your report, so get ready to share your numbers on time!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-03315, BE-9: Quarterly Survey of Foreign Airline Operators' Revenues and Expenses in the United States
If you're a U.S. office or agent of a foreign airline making $5 million or more in the U.S., you’ve got to fill out the BE-9 survey every quarter. This survey helps the government track how foreign airlines earn and spend money here, which is super important for understanding trade and the economy. You’ll need to send your info within 30 days after each quarter ends—easy, right?
Next: 2025-03317, BE-29: Annual Survey of Foreign Ocean Carriers' Expenses in the United States
If you’re a U.S. agent for foreign ocean carriers with lots of ship visits or big expenses, you’ll need to fill out the BE-29 survey every year. This survey helps the government understand how foreign shipping affects the U.S. economy and trade. You’ll get a notice and must submit your info within 45 days after the year ends—so get ready to report and keep the data flowing!