To become an accredited investor the (SEC) requires certain wealth, income or knowledge requirements. The investor must fall into one of three categories. Firms selling unregistered securities must put investors through their own screening process to determine if investors can be considered an accredited investor.
The Verifying Individual or Entity should take reasonable steps to verify and determined that an Investor is an "accredited investor" as such term is defined in Rule 501 of the Securities Act, and hereby provides written confirmation. This letter serves to help the Entity determine status, take Investor statements regarding information, and waiver of claims."
Ohio Accredited Investor Qualification and Verification Requirements for Reg D, Rule 506© Offerings The Ohio Accredited Investor Qualification and Verification Requirements for Reg D, Rule 506© Offerings refer to the specific criteria and verification processes that individuals or entities must meet in order to be classified as accredited investors in Ohio. Accredited investors have higher net worth or income thresholds and are granted certain exemptions and privileges when investing in private offerings. In Ohio, there are two main types of Accredited Investor Qualification and Verification Requirements for Reg D, Rule 506© Offerings: 1. Financial Thresholds: Ohio follows the financial thresholds outlined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for determining whether an individual or entity qualifies as an accredited investor. These thresholds include: a. Income Test: The individual's annual income should exceed $200,000 for the past two years (or $300,000 if married and filing jointly). Alternatively, they must have a reasonable expectation of reaching this income level in the current year. b. Net Worth Test: The individual's net worth, either alone or combined with a spouse, must exceed $1 million, excluding the value of their primary residence. Note that net worth can include the fair market value of assets, such as real estate, stocks, and other investments. 2. Verification Process: For Rule 506© Offerings, issuers must employ "reasonable" methods to verify accredited investor status. Valid verification methods include: a. Income Verification: Reviewing tax returns, W-2s, 1099s, or other similar documents that demonstrate the individual's income. b. Net Worth Verification: Evaluating bank statements, brokerage statements, appraisal reports, or other reliable third-party documents that substantiate the individual's net worth. c. Written Confirmation: Receiving written confirmation from a registered broker-dealer, SEC-registered investment adviser, licensed attorney, or certified public accountant, confirmed within the past three months, stating that they have taken reasonable steps to verify the individual's accredited status. It is crucial for issuers to ensure compliance with these Ohio Accredited Investor Qualification and Verification Requirements to maintain the integrity and legality of their Reg D, Rule 506© Offerings. By adequately verifying the accredited investor status of potential investors, issuers reduce the risk of violating securities laws and protect themselves against potential legal repercussions. It is important to consult legal professionals or securities regulators in Ohio to stay updated on any changes or additional requirements specific to the state.
