FBAR How to File: A Guide to Requirements and Deadlines

FBAR, or Foreign Bank Account Report, is a crucial form that U.S. taxpayers must file annually if they have financial interest in or signature authority over foreign financial accounts. The filing requirements for FBARs are determined by the total value of the foreign financial accounts held by the taxpayer. If the total value exceeds $10,000 at any time during the year, then it’s mandatory to file an FBAR.

The FBAR form used for filing is FinCEN Form 114 and should be submitted electronically to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) by April 15th of each year. It’s important to note that FBAR filing requirements are separate from those of Form 8938, which is used to report specified foreign financial assets and has different filing thresholds and penalties for non-compliance.

Filing an FBAR can be complex and daunting for many taxpayers, but it’s essential to comply with these requirements to avoid hefty penalties. Failure to file an FBAR may result in civil penalties up to $12,921 per violation or criminal penalties up to $250,000 in fines and five years imprisonment.

To ensure compliance with FBAR filing requirements, taxpayers must keep accurate records of their foreign financial accounts throughout the year. They should also seek professional advice from a qualified tax expert who can guide them through this process.

Understanding FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report)

FBAR is a report that U.S. citizens and residents must file if they have a financial interest in or signature authority over foreign financial accounts with an aggregate value exceeding $10,000 at any time during the calendar year. This requirement applies to both individuals and entities such as corporations, partnerships, and trusts.

The report must be filed electronically with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) by April 15th of each year, with an automatic extension available until October 15th upon request. The filing process is relatively straightforward, but it’s important to ensure that all necessary information is accurately reported.

Failure to file FBAR can result in severe penalties, including civil monetary penalties and even criminal charges in some cases. Penalties for non-willful violations can range up to $12,921 per violation while willful violations or reckless violations can result in penalties equal to the greater of $129,210 or 50% of the account balance at the time of the violation.

FBAR is separate from other tax forms such as the income tax return and must be filed separately. It’s important to keep accurate records of all foreign financial accounts and report them on FBAR to avoid any potential legal issues in the future.

Who needs to file FBAR?

Any U.S. person who has a financial interest in or signature authority over one or more foreign financial accounts must file FBAR if:

• The aggregate value of those foreign financial accounts exceeds $10,000 at any time during the calendar year.
• The foreign financial accounts are not owned by a U.S. military banking facility operated by a U.S. financial institution.

What counts as a “foreign financial account”?

A “foreign financial account” includes:

• Bank accounts
• Securities accounts
• Other types of financial accounts held at foreign financial institutions

This does not include foreign online gambling accounts.

It’s worth noting that cryptocurrency exchanges located outside of the United States may also qualify as foreign financial institutions, and therefore may be subject to FBAR reporting requirements.

What information is required on FBAR?

FBAR requires the following information to be reported for each foreign financial account:

• Account number
• Name on the account
• Account type (e.g., checking, savings)
• Name and address of the foreign financial institution where the account is held
• Maximum value of the account during the calendar year

It’s important to ensure that all required information is accurately reported on FBAR. Inaccurate or incomplete reporting can result in penalties.

How does FBAR relate to FATCA?

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) is a separate law that requires certain U.S. taxpayers to report their foreign financial assets on Form 8938, Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets. While there are some similarities between FBAR and FATCA reporting requirements, they are separate forms with different filing thresholds and reporting requirements.

It’s important to consult with a tax professional or attorney if you have questions about your specific reporting obligations under FBAR or FATCA.

Who Must File an FBAR and What Needs to be Reported?

FBAR reporting is a requirement for any person who has a financial interest in or signature authority over foreign financial accounts. The aggregate value of these accounts must exceed $10,000 at any time during the calendar year. This includes all types of foreign financial accounts, such as bank accounts, securities accounts, and certain types of retirement accounts.

Detailed Information Required

The FBAR report must include detailed information about each foreign financial account. This information includes the account number, name and address of the foreign financial institution where the account is held, and the maximum value of the account during the calendar year.

Penalties for Failure to File

It is important to ensure that all foreign financial accounts are properly reported on the FBAR to avoid significant penalties. Failure to file an FBAR report can result in civil fines and even criminal prosecution in some cases.

Examples of FBAR Reporting Requirements

For example, if you have a bank account in Canada with $5,000 and another bank account in Mexico with $6,000 at any point during the calendar year, you would need to file an FBAR report since your aggregate value exceeds $10,000. Similarly, if you have a securities account in Japan with a maximum value of $8,000 during the calendar year and a retirement account in Germany with a maximum value of $3,500 during the same period, you would also need to file an FBAR report.

According to statistics from FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network), there were 1.7 million FBAR reports filed for tax year 2019 alone. This indicates that there is widespread compliance with this reporting requirement among taxpayers who have foreign financial accounts.

Civil Fines for Non-Compliance

If you fail to file an FBAR report when required or fail to provide accurate information on your report, you may be subject to civil penalties. The maximum penalty for a non-willful violation is $12,921 per violation. If your failure to file was willful, the penalty can be as high as the greater of $129,210 or 50% of the account balance at the time of the violation.

Criminal Penalties for Non-Compliance

In addition to civil fines, failure to comply with FBAR reporting requirements can also result in criminal prosecution. If you willfully fail to file an FBAR report or provide false information on your report, you may be subject to criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment.

Other Foreign Financial Reporting Requirements for Expats

Expats are required to report certain foreign financial accounts and assets on their tax return, as well as comply with other reporting requirements in the foreign country where they reside. These requirements can be complex and vary depending on the expat’s situation and the country they live in. In this section, we will discuss some of the other foreign financial reporting requirements that expats need to be aware of.

Foreign Bank Accounts and Financial Institutions

One of the most important foreign financial reporting requirements for expats is reporting their foreign bank accounts and financial institutions to the IRS under FATCA. This law was enacted to prevent money laundering, tax evasion, and other financial crimes. Under FATCA, US taxpayers must report their foreign bank accounts if they exceed $10,000 at any time during the year.

Expats who have a signature authority over a foreign account or own more than 50% of a company that has a foreign account must also report it to the IRS. Failure to comply with FATCA can result in severe penalties.

Resident Aliens Reporting Requirements

Resident aliens in the US must also report their foreign financial accounts and assets on their tax return, even if they do not meet the threshold for filing a tax return. The threshold for filing a tax return is based on income levels but varies depending on filing status (single or married) and age (under 65 or over 65).

If an expat fails to disclose their foreign financial assets on Form 8938 when required, they may face significant penalties ranging from $10,000 up to $60,000 per year.

Reporting Requirements in Foreign Countries

Expats living abroad may also have additional reporting requirements in their host country. For example, many countries require residents to report all of their worldwide income regardless of where it was earned. Expats should consult with a local tax professional or attorney to understand these requirements fully.

In addition to income reporting obligations, many countries require expats to report their foreign financial accounts and assets. For example, in Canada, residents must report their foreign assets if they exceed CAD 100,000 at any time during the year.

Failure to comply with these reporting requirements can result in significant penalties and legal consequences. Expats should stay informed about changes in foreign financial reporting requirements as they can vary by country and may impact their taxes and financial planning.

Penalties for Noncompliance

Expats who fail to comply with foreign financial reporting requirements can face severe penalties. In some cases, these penalties can be more severe than those imposed by the IRS for noncompliance with US tax laws.

For example, failure to file a required FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report) form can result in a penalty of up to $10,000 per violation. If the failure was willful, the penalty could be as high as $100,000 or 50% of the account balance at the time of the violation.

In addition to monetary penalties, expats who fail to comply with foreign financial reporting requirements may also face criminal charges. These charges could include tax evasion or money laundering.

Definition of Interest in an Account or Asset for FBAR Purposes

Financial interest is a term that refers to having ownership or control over a financial account or asset. This can include bank accounts, securities accounts, and other types of financial assets. The account balances of these financial accounts must be reported on the FBAR form if they exceed the threshold amount. Joint accounts are also subject to FBAR reporting requirements if the filer has a financial interest in the account.

There are several key factors to consider. One of the most important is whether the individual has any direct or indirect ownership or control over the account or asset in question.

Direct ownership typically refers to situations where an individual holds legal title to an account or asset in their own name. Indirect ownership, on the other hand, can take many different forms. For example, an individual may have indirect ownership if they hold legal title to an account or asset through a corporation or trust that they control (and trusts have additional IRS reporting).

Another factor that can impact whether an individual has a financial interest in an account or asset is whether they have signature authority over it. Signature authority refers to the ability to control transactions related to an account without necessarily having direct ownership over it.

It’s worth noting that even if someone doesn’t technically have direct or indirect ownership of an account or asset, they may still be considered to have a financial interest under certain circumstances. For example, if someone acts as an agent, nominee, attorney, trustee, custodian, or similar person with respect to such accounts and assets then they will be considered as having a financial interest in them.

In addition to understanding what constitutes a financial interest for FBAR purposes, it’s also important for individuals and businesses alike to understand which types of accounts and assets are subject to reporting requirements under this regulation.

As mentioned earlier, bank accounts and securities accounts are two common examples of financial assets that must be reported on the FBAR form if their balances exceed the threshold amount. However, there are many other types of financial accounts and assets that may also be subject to reporting requirements.

For example, foreign retirement plans, life insurance policies with a cash surrender value, and certain types of annuity contracts may all need to be reported on the FBAR form if they meet certain criteria. It’s important for individuals and businesses to consult with a qualified tax professional or attorney to determine which accounts and assets they need to report on the FBAR form.

One key thing to keep in mind is that even if an individual or business doesn’t have any foreign financial accounts or assets that meet the reporting thresholds, they may still need to file an FBAR form if they have signature authority over such accounts or assets.

FBAR Deadlines: Important Dates to Remember for Expats

As an expat, it’s important to stay on top of your financial responsibilities, including filing the Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR). The FBAR is a form that must be filed with the US Department of Treasury every year by taxpayers who have foreign financial accounts that exceed $10,000 at any point during the tax year. In this section, we’ll discuss the important dates to remember for FBAR deadlines and what you need to know to avoid penalties.

FBAR Deadline: April 15th (or October 15th)

The FBAR deadline is April 15th of each year, but it can be extended to October 15th upon request. This means that if you need more time to file your FBAR, you can submit Form 4868 (Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) by April 15th and receive an automatic extension until October 15th. However, it’s important to note that this extension only applies to the FBAR and not your tax return.

The FBAR filing requirement applies to calendar year taxpayers, meaning that the reporting period is from January 1st to December 31st. If you have a foreign financial account that exceeded $10,000 at any point during the tax year, you must file an FBAR by the due date.

Different from Tax Return Deadline

It’s important to note that the FBAR deadline is different from the tax return deadline, which is also April 15th (or October 15th with an extension). While both deadlines fall on the same day and extensions are available for both forms separately, they are separate requirements with different filing procedures.

Penalties for Failing To File

Failing to file an FBAR by the deadline can result in significant penalties. If you fail to file or properly report a foreign financial account, the penalty can range from $1,000 to $10,000 per violation. If the violation is willful, meaning that you intentionally failed to file or report the account, the penalty can be as high as 50% of the account balance or $100,000 per violation, whichever is greater.

Keeping Track of Important Dates

To avoid any confusion or missed deadlines, it’s recommended to keep track of important dates and set reminders well in advance of the due date. This includes both the FBAR deadline and tax return deadline if applicable. It’s also important to make sure you have all necessary documentation and information ready before filing to ensure accuracy and completeness.

How to File an FBAR Alongside Your U.S. Expat Taxes

If you are a U.S. expat with foreign financial accounts, it is important to know about the FBAR filing requirement. The FBAR, or Foreign Bank Account Report, is a separate filing requirement from your U.S. expat income tax return. It is required by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and must be filed annually if you have foreign financial accounts with an aggregate value of $10,000 or more at any time during the year.

FBAR Filing Deadline

The FBAR filing deadline is April 15th, but it can be extended to October 15th. This means that you have until October 15th to file your FBAR if you need additional time beyond the initial deadline. However, it’s important to note that this extension only applies to the FBAR and not your U.S. expat income tax return.

Electronic Filing

You can file your FBAR electronically through the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) website. This electronic filing system allows for faster processing times and eliminates the need for paper forms and mailings.

Including Your FBAR Confirmation Page

If you need to file an FBAR alongside your U.S. expat income tax return, make sure to include your FBAR confirmation page with your tax return. This will ensure that both documents are properly filed and processed together.

Penalties for Failure to File

It’s important to note that there are penalties for failing to file an FBAR when required. The penalties can range from a warning letter all the way up to criminal charges depending on the severity of the violation.

Examples of Penalties

For example, if you fail to file an FBAR but had no knowledge of the requirement, you may receive a warning letter or penalty of up to $500 per violation per year. However, if you willfully fail to file an FBAR or provide false information on an FBAR, you may face criminal charges and penalties of up to $250,000 or 5 years in prison.

FBAR vs FATCA

It’s also important to note that the FBAR is different from the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). While both requirements relate to foreign financial accounts, they have different filing requirements and deadlines. FATCA requires certain U.S. taxpayers with foreign financial assets over a certain threshold to report those assets on their U.S. tax returns.

Many U.S. expats are not aware of the FBAR filing requirement or mistakenly believe that it only applies to individuals with large foreign bank accounts. However, the reality is that even if you have a small foreign financial account, you may still be required to file an FBAR.

In fact, according to recent statistics from FinCEN, there were over 1 million FBAR filings in 2020 alone. This shows just how common this requirement is among U.S. expats and highlights the importance of understanding your obligations as a taxpayer.

Streamlined Compliance Procedures and Delinquent FBAR Submission Procedures

The Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is responsible for enforcing FBAR compliance. Failure to comply with FBAR requirements can result in severe penalties, including civil and criminal penalties. Therefore, it is essential that taxpayers keep accurate records of their foreign accounts and report them on time using the proper forms and procedures.

Streamlined Compliance Procedures

The Streamlined Compliance Procedures program provides a streamlined process for taxpayers who have failed to comply with their FBAR filing obligations due to non-willful conduct. Taxpayers who qualify for this program can file their delinquent FBARs without facing any penalties.

To qualify for this program, taxpayers must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as:

• They must be eligible U.S. citizens or residents.
• They must have failed to report income from a foreign financial institution.
• They must not have willfully avoided reporting income or taxes.
• They must certify that their failure to report was due to non-willful conduct.

If a taxpayer meets these eligibility criteria, they can participate in the Streamlined Compliance Procedures program by submitting all required documents and paying any taxes owed.

Delinquent FBAR Submission Procedures

The Delinquent FBAR Submission Procedures program is available for taxpayers who have not been contacted by the IRS regarding their delinquent FBARs. Under this program, taxpayers can file their delinquent FBARs and explain why they failed to file them on time.

To participate in this program, taxpayers must file all delinquent FBARs and include a statement explaining why the FBARs were filed late. Taxpayers must also certify that their failure to file was due to non-willful conduct.

It is important to note that taxpayers who participate in the Delinquent FBAR Submission Procedures program may be subject to penalties if the IRS determines that their failure to file was due to willful conduct.

Enforcement Network

The Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is responsible for enforcing FBAR compliance. FinCEN has the authority to impose civil penalties on taxpayers who fail to comply with FBAR requirements.

Under current law, the maximum penalty for failing to file an FBAR is $10,000 per violation. However, if a taxpayer’s failure to file was willful, the penalty can be as high as 50% of the balance in the account at the time of the violation or $100,000 per violation, whichever is greater.

Institutions and Banks

Foreign financial institutions and banks are required by law to report information about U.S. account holders to FinCEN. This information includes:

• The name and address of each account holder.
• The account number.
• The name and address of any person with signature authority over the account.
• The maximum value of each account during the calendar year.

These reporting requirements help ensure that U.S. taxpayers are complying with their FBAR filing obligations.

Records

Taxpayers should keep accurate records of their foreign accounts and report them on time using the proper forms and procedures. Failure to do so can result in severe penalties, including civil and criminal penalties.

Taxpayers should keep records of:

• Account numbers.
• Names on accounts.
• Types of accounts.
• Foreign bank names and addresses.
• Foreign bank account numbers.
• Balances in each account during each year.
• Income earned from each account during each year.

Automatic Extension

Taxpayers who need additional time to file their FBARs can request an automatic extension. The deadline for filing an FBAR is April 15th of each year, but taxpayers can request an automatic extension until October 15th by filing Form 4868.

Process and Website

The process for filing an FBAR is relatively simple. Taxpayers must file FinCEN Form 114 electronically through the BSA E-Filing System. The form must be filed by April 15th of each year.

Taxpayers can find more information about FBAR requirements on the IRS website or by consulting with a tax professional.

Trust

Taxpayers should take their FBAR filing obligations seriously and make every effort to comply with the law. Failure to do so can result in severe penalties, including civil and criminal penalties.

By participating in either the Streamlined Compliance Procedures program or the Delinquent FBAR Submission Procedures program, eligible taxpayers can catch up on their delinquent FBAR filings without facing any penalties. However, it is important to consult with a tax professional before participating in either program to ensure that all eligibility criteria are met and all required documents are submitted correctly.

Penalties for Non-Compliance with FBAR Filing Requirements

FBAR, or Foreign Bank Account Report, is a requirement by the United States Department of Treasury that mandates U.S. citizens and residents to report their foreign financial accounts if they have an aggregate value of over $10,000 at any point during the year. Failure to comply with this requirement can result in severe penalties, including civil and criminal penalties.

Civil Penalties for Non-Compliance

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) imposes civil penalties on individuals who fail to comply with FBAR filing requirements. These penalties can range from $1,000 to $10,000 per violation depending on the severity of non-compliance. The IRS determines the penalty amount based on various factors such as whether the non-compliance was willful or not.

If an individual fails to file an FBAR but has no tax liability due, they may still face a penalty of up to $10,000 per violation. However, if there is tax liability due and the failure to file an FBAR was not willful, then the penalty may be limited to $500 per violation.

On the other hand, if an individual’s non-compliance was found to be willful by the IRS, then they may face a penalty of up to $100,000 or 50% of the account balance at the time of violation – whichever is greater. This means that individuals who knowingly and intentionally fail to file their FBARs can face significant financial consequences.

Criminal Penalties for Willful Violations

In addition to civil penalties imposed by the IRS for non-compliance with FBAR filing requirements, individuals who willfully violate these requirements may also face criminal charges. Criminal penalties for willful violations include fines up to $250,000 or 5 years imprisonment or both.

It is important to note that even unintentional violations can result in criminal charges if it is found that the individual was aware of their obligation to file FBARs and deliberately chose not to do so. This is why it is crucial for individuals with foreign financial accounts to consult with a tax professional and ensure they are in compliance with all FBAR filing requirements.

Examples of Penalties Imposed

There have been several cases where individuals faced severe penalties for non-compliance with FBAR filing requirements. One such example is the case of Carl Zwerner, who failed to report his foreign bank account on his tax returns for several years. The IRS imposed a penalty of $3.5 million on him, which was equal to 50% of the balance in his Swiss bank account.

Another example is the case of Mary Estelle Curran, who willfully failed to disclose her foreign bank accounts for over a decade. She was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison and ordered to pay a fine of $250,000.

These examples highlight the severity of penalties that can be imposed on individuals who fail to comply with FBAR filing requirements.

A Comprehensive Guide on How to File an FBAR

In conclusion, filing an FBAR can be a complex process, but it is essential for expats to comply with the law and avoid penalties. This comprehensive guide on how to file an FBAR has covered all the necessary information you need to know about this important requirement.

To summarize, the first step in filing an FBAR is to determine whether you are required to file one. If you have foreign financial accounts that meet certain criteria, you must file FinCEN Form 114 annually.

When filing your FBAR, it is crucial to report all relevant account information accurately and completely. You should also be aware of other foreign financial reporting requirements that may apply to you as an expat.

FBAR deadlines are another critical aspect of compliance. Failing to meet these deadlines can result in significant penalties, so it’s essential to keep them in mind when planning your tax year.

If you’re unsure about how to file an FBAR alongside your U.S. expat taxes, consider seeking advice from a qualified advisor or using online resources such as the IRS’s FBAR Resource Center.

Finally, if you have failed to comply with FBAR filing requirements in the past, there are streamlined compliance procedures and delinquent FBAR submission procedures available that may help reduce potential penalties.

Get Help With Your International Tax Questions

There is no substitute for experience in working with U.S. international tax. This is not an area for novices or others who do not handle these issues regularly.

An experienced international tax attorney who regularly handles these issues should be engaged or consulted.

We help taxpayers with international tax issues. Please call us at (713) 909-4906 to discuss your international tax concerns with our tax attorneys.