US taxes while living abroad
What if you are behind on US tax returns or FBARs while abroad?
Last reviewed .
Start by separating the problems. An unfiled return, an unreported foreign account and an IRS notice each have different routes. The IRS publishes official options, including the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures and the delinquent international information return submission procedures, each with its own eligibility conditions and certifications. A licensed tax professional should choose the route with you.
Key facts
| Fact | What the source says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Streamlined procedures | IRS procedures for certain taxpayers with unreported foreign income or assets | Official source |
| Late information returns | IRS delinquent international information return submission procedures | Official source |
| Late FBARs | Filed through FinCEN's BSA E-Filing System, separately from the return | Official source |
| Eligibility | Each procedure sets its own conditions and certifications | Official source |
Why does the type of problem matter?
A missing return, a missing FBAR, a missing information return and an IRS letter are handled differently. Before picking a route, establish which years and forms are missing, the amounts involved, any notice dates and any earlier advice you received.
What official IRS options exist?
The IRS publishes several procedures. Each has conditions that must be met and statements that must be signed.
- Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures, with a version for people living outside the US, for certain taxpayers whose failures were not willful under the IRS definition.
- Delinquent international information return submission procedures, for certain late information returns such as forms for foreign entities and trusts.
- Late FBARs filed through FinCEN's BSA E-Filing System, which asks for a reason for the late filing.
Can a quiz tell you that you were non-willful?
No. Whether conduct was willful is a legal question about your facts. Do not rely on a marketing quiz to label your situation or promise penalty relief. The streamlined procedures require a signed certification, and a false certification has serious consequences. Talk to a licensed tax professional, and an attorney where needed, before you certify anything.
What should you do before choosing a route?
Gather the facts first. A preparer can only test eligibility against a clear record of what is missing.
Checklist before you start
- List each year you did not file, and what you did file.
- Collect foreign account statements showing highest balances for each year.
- Gather foreign tax returns and income records for the missing years.
- Keep every IRS or FinCEN letter, with its date and envelope.
- Write down any earlier advice you received and from whom.
- Do not sign a certification before a licensed professional reviews it.
Common questions
What are the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures?
An IRS program for certain taxpayers with unreported foreign income or assets. It has eligibility rules and requires a signed certification. Read the IRS page and get professional help.
Can I just file late FBARs?
Late FBARs are filed through FinCEN's BSA E-Filing System with a reason for the delay. Whether that alone is enough depends on your facts.
I received an IRS letter. Can I still use these procedures?
Some procedures are not available once the IRS has contacted you or opened an examination. Read the conditions and talk to a professional quickly.
Official sources
- Streamlined filing compliance procedures. IRS.
- Delinquent international information return submission procedures. IRS.
- Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR). IRS.
- Comparison of Form 8938 and FBAR requirements. IRS.
Sources checked . Official pages change. Use the source over this summary if they differ.
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General information from IRS and FinCEN publications, not tax advice. Rules depend on your facts and the tax year. Confirm with a licensed tax professional before you file. US Expat Desk is a private company. We are not affiliated with the US government, the State Department, or the FBI.