Estate FBAR (Inherited Foreign Accounts & Deceased Persons)

Estate FBAR: When a U.S. person inherits foreign accounts from a deceased individual. There are many components to FBAR Reporting. First, the Estate may be responsible for filing an FBAR for the deceased individuals when the final tax returns is filed. Moreover, if the executor learns the deceased individual did not file one more FBARs in prior years, they may have to submit to FBAR Amnesty to reduce avoid offshore penalties. This is especially true with the increased aggressive enforcement the IRS takes on matters involving Foreign Accounts Compliance. Further, for the beneficiary who inherited foreign accounts, they will now have an ongoing FBAR filing requirement.

Let’s explore.

Estate FBAR & Deceased Individuals

The Estate FBAR rules are still being developed. But, there are some general rules to be aware of. Once the U.S. person foreign account holder passes away, the decedent still must file what is referred to as a “final or last  tax return.” The estate files the tax return. And, if the person had foreign accounts, an estate FBAR may be required.

Stated another way, the Estate FBAR requirement is for the Estate to file the FBAR for the deceased person. If the Estate is now named on the account, then the estate has now inherited foreign accounts, and will have an ongoing FBAR filing requirement.

The FBAR is due at the same time the Tax Return is due.

Unreported Prior Year FBAR

If the Estate was named as an account holder, then the Estate’s FBAR reporting requirement begins in the year the Estate became the owner of the account. If it turns out the Deceased Individual has unreported accounts for prior years, then the Estate may submit to one of the FBAR Amnesty programs. Two of the most populate programs for estates are the Streamlined Filing Procedures and Delinquency Procedures. If the deceased individual was willful, then the estate’s only option would be post-OVDP voluntary disclosure.

Inheriting Foreign Accounts

When a person inherits foreign accounts, and the aggregate annual value exceeds $10,000, the person will now have their own annual FBAR reporting requirements. But, even if the deceased individual may be non-compliant, the person inheriting the account does not “inherit,” the FBAR non-compliance.

The Estate FBAR rules are still in flux, and there may be potential FBAR penalty liability or exposure to the Estate and/or Executor, for any FBAR violations of the deceased individual.

We Specialize in Streamlined & Offshore Voluntary Disclosure

We specialize exclusively in international tax, and specifically IRS offshore disclosure.

We have successfully represented clients in more than 1,000 streamlined and voluntary offshore disclosure submissions nationwide and in over 70-different countries. We have represented thousands of individuals and businesses with international tax problems.

We are the “go-to” firm for other Attorneys, CPAs, Enrolled Agents, Accountants, and Financial Professionals across the globe.

We are the “go-to” firm for other Attorneys, CPAs, Enrolled Agents, Accountants and Financial Professionals worldwide.

Less than 1% of Tax Attorneys Nationwide Are Certified Specialists

Our lead attorney is one of less than 350 Attorneys (out of more than 200,000 practicing California Attorneys) to earn the Certified Tax Law Specialist credential. The credential is awarded to less than 1% of Attorneys.

Recent Case Highlights

  • We represented a client in an 8-figure disclosure that spanned 7 countries.
  • We represented a high-net-worth client to facilitate a complex expatriation with offshore disclosure.
  • We represented an overseas family with bringing multiple businesses & personal investments into U.S. tax and offshore compliance.
  • We took over a case from a small firm that unsuccessfully submitted multiple clients to IRS Offshore Disclosure.
  • We successfully completed several recent disclosures for clients with assets ranging from $50,000 – $7,000,000+.
How to Hire Experienced Streamlined Counsel?

How to Hire Experienced Streamlined Counsel?

How to Hire Experienced Offshore Counsel?

Generally, experienced attorneys in this field will have the following credentials/experience:

  • Board Certified Tax Law Specialist credential
  • Master’s of Tax Law (LL.M.)
  • Dually Licensed as an EA (Enrolled Agent) or CPA
  • 20-years experience as a practicing attorney
  • Extensive litigation, high-stakes audit and trial experience

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No matter where in the world you reside, our international tax team can get you IRS offshore compliant.

We specialize in FBAR and FATCA. Contact our firm today for assistance with getting compliant.