ACCESS Act of 2025

This bill makes it cheaper and easier for small businesses to raise money online through crowdfunding. Right now, if a business tries to raise $100,000 or less, it does not have to provide financial statements reviewed by an independent accountant. The bill raises that limit to $250,000, so more very small offerings can avoid those costs. It also lets the Securities and Exchange Commission increase that limit to as high as $400,000 if two investor-protection offices recommend it. The bill’s purpose is to raise the threshold for when reviewed financial statements are required for crowdfunding offerings.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Small businesses and startups using crowdfunding; everyday investors using crowdfunding platforms.
• What changes: The review requirement would start above $250,000 instead of above $100,000; the SEC could raise it up to $400,000 with recommended support.
• Why it matters: Fewer very small offerings would need to pay for accountant reviews, cutting costs for early-stage fundraising.