What is willful blindness according to the IRS? How is this important in tax cases involving unreported or under-reported income, disclosure of offshore assets and income, FinCEN Form 114 (more commonly referred to as an "FBAR"), and even digital currencies and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)? In an internal IRS memorandum from...
IRS Updated Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures
What do you need to know about the IRS updated Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures or "Streamlined Procedures?" Are you concerned about unreported or under-reported offshore income or assets? Are there accounts you have inadvertently left off of a recent FBAR? Have you failed to file an FBAR when you otherwise...
Questions Regarding Offshore Accounts and FBAR Filing Requirements
Many US taxpayers still have questions regarding offshore accounts and FBAR filing requirements and compliance. Is there a genuine risk their activities (or lack of compliance) will come to light? The definition of a US taxpayer includes all US citizens, as well as those who work or live within the...
Ignorance of IRS FBAR Reporting is Not a Defense
Our offices have handled many cases recently of foreign nationals and spouses with offshore accounts and assets who were not aware of their IRS FBAR reporting requirements. Unfortunately ignorance of IRS FBAR reporting is not a defense and the IRS is ruthlessly pursuing huge penalties and interest for those who...
What are Willful Conduct and Willful Blindness in IRS FBAR Audits
What are willful conduct and willful blindness in IRS FBAR audits and court cases? It is important to begin with an understanding regarding IRS FBARs and when they are required. Any US taxpayer who has offshore bank or investment accounts (outside the United States) is required to prepare and file an...
Failure to Comply with IRS FBAR Reporting Requirements Part of Manafort Indictment
The failure to comply with IRS FBAR reporting requirements was part of the recent Manafort indictment, but it doesn't just apply to the wealthy or powerful. The failure to fully and accurately disclose offshore bank accounts, investments, assets and real property is a challenge for many US taxpayers, and the...
Jan Allen Speaks on a National IRS FBAR Panel Tomorrow
Jan Allen speaks on a national IRS FBAR panel tomorrow at 12:30 pm pacific time, 3:30 pm eastern. The topic of the expert panel discussion is "Willfulness and the IRS Disclosure Programs. Are you Compliant?" The program will answer the questions of US taxpayers and foreign nationals who live and...
US Court of Appeals Upheld Requirement for IRS FBAR Reporting
The Sixth District of the US Court of Appeals upheld requirement for IRS FBAR reporting recently. The decision affirmed the actions of a US District Court which dismissed a complaint which challenged FATCA and the requirement to come into compliance with IRS FBAR disclosures. The lawsuit sought to prohibit...
Record Number Renounce Their US Citizenship in 2016 Due to US Taxation of Worldwide Income
The US Treasury Department published the latest list of those who renounced their US citizenship in 2016. The recent spike in renounced citizenships has been tied to US taxation of worldwide income for all US residents and taxpayers. 5,411 individuals renounced their US citizenship in 2016, and while this may...