Understanding FBAR And Its Implications

When it comes to filing tax returns the laws are applicable for one and all. However, for every Americal citizen the Foreign Bank and Financial Account Report i.e. FBAR is a legal form that IRS instructs them to file for ensuring that the citizens are complying with the requirements of reporting foreign bank and financial accounts to the U.S tax authorities.

 

FBAR Applicability

 

FBAR is applicable to any and every individual that resides United States and have incurred a financial interest or any other significant authority on a financial account in another country. Simultaneously, it is also applicable if an individual’s total value of all these accounts exceeds US$10,000 anytime in a year. As directed by the Treasury Department Form 90-22.1 American citizens and U.S. residing individuals are required to fill in the  FBAR form every year.

 

FBAR Specifications

 

The incomes that report on these accounts are efficiently reported on an individual’s tax return for the year. Hence, it is essential for a person to report the foreign earning depending upon the income type that is generated. Let us explain this with an example; Incomes and dividends would come under Schedule B, Capital gains would be reported under Schedule C and so on. Therefore, in case an individual is earning dividends and interests on accounts it is crucial to get it reviewed in Part III Line 7A of Schedule B referring to the countries where the accounts are present.

 

Types of FBAR that are reported

 

The kinds of FBAR that can be reported includes the following:

 

  • Bank accounts (checking and savings)
  • Investment accounts
  • Mutual funds
  • Retirement and pension accounts
  • Securities and other brokerage accounts
  • Debit card and prepaid credit card accounts
  • Life insurance and annuities having cash value

 

Time for Filing FBAR

 

As per the Treasury Form 90-22.1 the FBAR filing is due June 30th every year when American citizens and individuals report their foreign bank accounts. Quoting the Internal Revenue Manual section 4.26.16.3.7 it is highlighted that the “The FBAR is considered filed when it is received in Detroit, not when it is postmarked.”

 

FBAR Penalties

 

Every American Citizens and individuals are required to file the TD F 90-22.1 to report about the foreign bank account even if one misses the deadline of June 30th. In case a person averts intentionally that state as rigid penalties for the person. Hence, it is useful to seek professional advise from eminent U.S  Tax Planning agencies for conduct the FBAR formalities efficiently.

 

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