The subject of hiding income and assets in secret offshore bank accounts has gone from a somewhat glamorous endeavor to reduce the amount of taxes one would pay to the IRS to a practice that is denounced world-wide as evidenced by convictions against major Swiss banks and financial institutions and...
Status of Banks Reporting Data to the IRS Under FATCA
When does the final onslaught of data to the IRS from banks around the world begin? What is the status of banks reporting data to the IRS under FATCA and when will FBAR and offshore related audits begin in earnest? These are questions tax experts around the world continue to...
San Jose Indian Foreign National Given Six Month Prison Term for Hiding Offshore Accounts from the IRS
We have advised foreign nationals living and working in the United States to come into compliance with IRS FBAR requirements for quite some time. One recent example of the risks faced by failing to come into FBAR compliance is a six month prison sentence to an Indian foreign national who...
The IRS is Cutting 7000 Jobs – Are We all Free of Audit Concerns Now?
The IRS has announced that it is cutting 7000 jobs in 3 centers. Does this mean we are all free of audit concerns now? Well, like any well crafted business contract you have to read the fine print! The IRS will be reducing its workforce by 7,000 employees through planned...
What Happens if the IRS Rejects your FBAR Streamlined Application
Did you file an application under the IRS Streamlined Domestic (Foreign) Offshore Procedures? What happens if the IRS rejects your FBAR streamlined application and claims of non-willful conduct? What actions have been taken by the IRS that concern the attorneys at Allen Barron? Let's begin with the last question first....
Should You Report Previous Offshore Income Through an FBAR Voluntary Disclosure
A storm is on the horizon for those who fail to report offshore financial activity to the IRS. We are often asked by clients, especially foreign nationals who live and work here in the San Diego area, if they should report previous offshore income to the IRS through an FBAR...
Will the US House Limit IRS Ability to Seize Your Bank Account
The US House of Representatives is expected to vote on a broadly supported bill this week that is designed to limit IRS ability to seize your bank account and freeze assets. The constitutional power given to the IRS to aid in the collection of unpaid taxes is known as "Civil...
IRS Audits Focused on Small Businesses with Questionable Tactics
According to recently released information, the news source noted a significant increase in IRS audits focused on small businesses targeting $200,000 to $400,000 income rages. The IRS has been accused of some very questionable tactics as they attempt to gather information to show that small businesses are under-reporting income, especially income...
Why Should a Foreign National Working or Residing in the US Care about FBAR Compliance
Why should a foreign national working or residing in the US care about IRS FBAR compliance? "None of my friends or associates are aware of this or worried about it..." is a sentiment we often hear. Unfortunately, the IRS isn't interested in what a foreign national working or residing in...