Do I have to file an FBAR if I live abroad?

Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen or green card holder and the combined value of your foreign accounts exceeded $10,000 at any time during the year. Living outside the United States does not change the requirement. The FBAR applies to where the accounts are, not where you are.

Does my foreign pension count toward the FBAR threshold?

Usually, yes. Foreign pension and retirement accounts such as UK SIPPs, Australian superannuation accounts, and Canadian RRSPs are generally reportable on the FBAR when you have a financial interest in them. Some employer plans are exceptions. When in doubt, report the account.

When is the FBAR due for 2025 accounts?

April 15, 2026, with an automatic extension to October 15, 2026. You do not need to request the extension.

Is the FBAR filed with my tax return?

No. The FBAR is filed separately with FinCEN through the BSA E-Filing System. Nothing on Form 1040 submits it for you, although Schedule B asks whether you have foreign accounts and whether you are required to file.

What is the penalty for not filing an FBAR?

For a non-willful failure, up to $16,536 per violation. For a willful failure, the greater of $165,353 or 50 percent of the account balance, per violation, with possible criminal charges. Non-willful filers who come forward before the IRS contacts them may avoid penalties entirely.

What exchange rate do I use for the FBAR?

The Treasury Reporting Rates of Exchange for December 31 of the year you are reporting. Convert the maximum value of each account during the year at that rate, even if the peak was in a different month.

I forgot to file an FBAR last year. What should I do?

File it now. If your tax returns for that year were complete and reported the account income, file under the Delinquent FBAR Submission Procedures with a short statement explaining the delay. If income was also unreported, the streamlined procedures are the correct route. Do not file quietly with no explanation.

Do I need to report an account I can sign on but do not own?

Yes. Signature authority over a foreign account, such as an employer or family account, triggers the FBAR requirement even when the money is not yours. Some employees of publicly traded companies and regulated banks are exempt.

FBAR For Expats Archives

Anyone with foreign bank accounts totaling more than $10,000 at any point in the year must file an FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) — separate from a regular tax return. Tax Samaritan explains FBAR thresholds, deadlines, and the steep penalties for missing a filing, plus how to catch up if you’re behind.

FBAR For Expats

FBAR Filing Requirements for U.S. Expats

U.S. expats must file an FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) for any year in which the combined value of their foreign financial accounts exceeded $10,000…

Read More FBAR Filing Requirements for U.S. Expats
FBAR For Expats

Delinquent FBAR Submission Procedures for U.S. Expats

If you missed one or more FBARs, the IRS gives you four ways to catch up, and the right one depends on a single…

Read More Delinquent FBAR Submission Procedures for U.S. Expats
FBAR For Expats | US Expat Taxes Guide

Filing Requirements For U.S. Taxpayers Living Abroad

U.S. Taxpayers Living Abroad If you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien living abroad, the rules for filing income, estate, and gift tax…

Read More Filing Requirements For U.S. Taxpayers Living Abroad
Expat Tax Resolution | FBAR For Expats

IRS Inflation-Adjusted Tax Penalties You Need to Know for 2026

Facing a Penalty? Here’s Why Staying Updated Matters You know that sinking feeling you get when you realize you’ve missed a deadline or made…

Read More IRS Inflation-Adjusted Tax Penalties You Need to Know for 2026
FBAR For Expats

The Most Common FBAR Mistakes Expats Need To Avoid

Tax laws can be confusing, and matters can become even trickier when foreign financial accounts are added to the equation. If you are a…

Read More The Most Common FBAR Mistakes Expats Need To Avoid
FBAR For Expats

FBAR Deadline – Know How Expats Can Avoid Harsh Penalties

There a number of unique and different due dates that apply to U.S. overseas taxpayers, but some are extremely critical to avoiding harsh penalties…

Read More FBAR Deadline – Know How Expats Can Avoid Harsh Penalties
FBAR For Expats

Foreign Accounts – A Guide to Disclosure for Expats

Disclosing Foreign Bank Accounts Unless you have complied with the FBAR reporting requirements to report your foreign accounts or entered into the Offshore Voluntary…

Read More Foreign Accounts – A Guide to Disclosure for Expats
FBAR For Expats

FBAR Willfulness – Reliable Info Expats Need To Know

FBAR Willfulness A key determination in whether a taxpayer is subject to criminal and/or civil penalties for the failure to disclose foreign bank accounts…

Read More FBAR Willfulness – Reliable Info Expats Need To Know
Expat Tax Resolution | FBAR For Expats

Unreported Offshore Accounts – Advice To Get Compliant

Hiding Money or Income Offshore Among the “Dirty Dozen” List of Tax Scams for the 2015 Filing Season The Internal Revenue Service recently announced…

Read More Unreported Offshore Accounts – Advice To Get Compliant
FBAR For Expats | US Expat Taxes Guide

Can I Open a Bank Account as an Expat? Your Questions Answered

Expat bank accounts need a distinct set of requirements, and expats often have questions about opening one. Luckily, this article answers the frequently asked questions about opening a bank account for expats abroad.

Read More Can I Open a Bank Account as an Expat? Your Questions Answered
Expat Tax Forms Guide | FBAR For Expats

What Is The FinCen Form 114? What Expats Need To Know For FBAR Filing

Purpose Of The FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts The FinCEN Form 114 reports financial interest in or signature authority…

Read More What Is The FinCen Form 114? What Expats Need To Know For FBAR Filing
Expat Tax Resolution | FATCA for Expats | FBAR For Expats

The Truth About Hiding Offshore Income for Expats

Avoiding Taxes With Offshore Income The IRS has stated that avoiding taxes by hiding Offshore Income or overseas assets in unreported offshore accounts remains…

Read More The Truth About Hiding Offshore Income for Expats

FBAR For Expats

FBAR Filing Requirements for U.S. Expats

Delinquent FBAR Submission Procedures for U.S. Expats

Filing Requirements For U.S. Taxpayers Living Abroad

IRS Inflation-Adjusted Tax Penalties You Need to Know for 2026

The Most Common FBAR Mistakes Expats Need To Avoid

FBAR Deadline – Know How Expats Can Avoid Harsh Penalties

Foreign Accounts – A Guide to Disclosure for Expats

FBAR Willfulness – Reliable Info Expats Need To Know

Unreported Offshore Accounts – Advice To Get Compliant

Can I Open a Bank Account as an Expat? Your Questions Answered

What Is The FinCen Form 114? What Expats Need To Know For FBAR Filing

The Truth About Hiding Offshore Income for Expats

Categories

Our Tax Tips