<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" citation="COMAR 09.24.04.04" title_num="09" subtitle_num="24" chapter_num="04" heading="Nonlicensee Owners.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>An individual not licensed to practice certified public accountancy may have an ownership interest in a firm in which certified public accountancy is practiced, if the individual is an active participant in the business of the firm or its affiliated entities.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>To determine whether a nonlicensee owner is an active participant in the business of the firm or its affiliated entities, the Board shall consider the:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Number of hours the nonlicensee owner devotes to firm business or the business of its affiliated entities; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Type of activities the nonlicensee owner performs for the firm or its affiliated entities.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>A nonlicensee owner may be a:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Natural person; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Business entity, if each ultimate beneficial owner of equity interest in that entity is a natural person actively participating in the business of the firm or its affiliated entities.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>A nonlicensee's ownership interest shall revert to the firm when the nonlicensee's active participation in the business of the firm or its affiliated entities ceases.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>The Board may deny, suspend, or revoke a permit for a firm in which certified public accountancy is practiced if a nonlicensee having interest in the firm or its affiliated entities:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Has been convicted under the laws of the United States or any state of a:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Felony; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Misdemeanor containing an element of fraud or misrepresentation;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Violates any provision of Business Occupations and Professions Article, Title 2, Annotated Code of Maryland; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Violates any provision of COMAR 09.24.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>The name of an owner not licensed to practice certified public accountancy may not be included in the name of the certified public accountancy firm.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>