Got Foreign Accounts? The IRS Wants to Know!

If you’ve got money overseas — a savings account in your home country, property in Paris, or crypto chilling on a foreign exchange — congratulations! You’re officially a global citizen.

But here’s the catch: If your foreign financial accounts totaled more than $10,000 at any point during the year, you may be required to file an FBAR. Ignore it, and you could be facing some serious penalties from the IRS.

📌 First Things First: What’s an FBAR?

FBAR stands for Foreign Bank Account Report, formally known as FinCEN Form 114.

It’s an annual filing required for U.S. citizens, green card holders, and certain U.S. residents who had foreign financial accounts exceeding $10,000 in total value — even if it was just for one day.

⚠️ Important: The FBAR is separate from your federal tax return and must be filed electronically with the Treasury Department.

What Counts as a “Foreign Account”?

It’s not just fancy offshore bank accounts. Here’s what the IRS wants to know about:

  • Checking, savings, and investment accounts held outside the U.S.

  • Foreign retirement plans (RRSPs, SIPPs, etc.)

  • Foreign brokerage and mutual fund accounts

  • Certain cryptocurrency wallets on foreign platforms

  • Business accounts or joint accounts you have signature authority over

If it’s located outside the U.S. and holds money, the IRS might want to hear about it.

Why You Should Care: FBAR Penalties Are No Joke

Think forgetting to file isn’t a big deal? Think again.

  • Non-willful violations: Up to $10,000 per account, per year

  • Willful violations: The greater of $100,000 or 50% of the account’s value

Yes, you read that right. These fines can do some serious damage to your finances — and your peace of mind.

How to File an FBAR (and Avoid a Panic Attack)

  1. Gather your account info — bank names, account numbers, max balances, etc.

  2. Use FinCEN’s BSA E-Filing System to submit online.

  3. File by April 15, with an automatic extension to October 15.

The good news? The FBAR is just an informational report. You don’t owe tax on the accounts — but you do need to report them.

🔥 FBAR Myths (Busted)

"I don’t owe tax, so I don’t need to file."
Wrong. The FBAR is about reporting, not paying. No taxes are calculated on it — it's informational only.

"It’s only for rich people."
Nope! That $10,000 threshold is actually pretty low. If you’ve got a savings account from your home country, you might be over it without realizing.

"The IRS will never find out."
Think again. The U.S. has info-sharing agreements with over 100 countries. The IRS will find out.


 Bottom Line: Report It, Don’t Regret It

Having foreign accounts? Totally legal.
Not reporting them? That’s where the trouble starts.

Whether you’re a frequent traveler, international investor, or just someone with a savings account “back home,” it’s crucial to stay compliant.

Need help navigating the FBAR process? We’ve got your back.

At Franskoviak Tax Solutions, we make FBAR filing simple, accurate, and stress-free — so you can focus on growing your global financial footprint without the IRS breathing down your neck.

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