How to file an FBAR

Last reviewed: 2026 · Reading time: ~8 minutes

There is no paper FBAR. Every FBAR is submitted online to FinCEN. Individuals typically use the free online form, while professionals filing for clients use the batch/discrete filing method. The steps below focus on an individual filing for themselves.

Before you start: gather your information

Having everything ready first makes the actual filing quick. For each foreign account you'll need:

• The name of the financial institution holding the account
• The full address of the institution
• The account number or other designation
• The type of account (bank, securities, or other)
• The maximum value the account reached during the calendar year, in U.S. dollars
• Whether the account is owned jointly, and joint owner details if so

You'll also need your own identifying information: name, U.S. taxpayer identification number (SSN or ITIN), date of birth, and address.

Step-by-step filing process

1. Go to the BSA E-Filing System

   Navigate to FinCEN's official BSA E-Filing System website. Individuals can file the FBAR without creating a full institutional account by using the online “Individual FBAR” option.

2. Open the FinCEN Form 114

   Select the option to prepare an individual FBAR. You can complete it directly in your browser or, in some cases, download a PDF version to fill out and upload.

3. Enter your personal (filer) information

   Provide your name, taxpayer identification number, date of birth, and address exactly as they appear on your other U.S. filings to avoid mismatches.

4. Determine each account's maximum value

   For every account, identify the highest balance reached at any time during the year, then convert it to U.S. dollars (see the exchange-rate note below). If you cannot determine an exact figure, a reasonable good-faith estimate based on account statements is expected — record how you arrived at it.

5. Report each foreign account

   Add each reportable account with its institution name, address, account number, type, and maximum value. Indicate whether you have a financial interest, signature authority, or both, and whether the account is jointly owned.

6. Review for accuracy

   Double-check spellings, numbers, and totals. Small errors — a transposed account number or a wrong currency conversion — are the most common problems and are easy to prevent at this stage.

7. Sign and submit electronically

   Acknowledge the electronic signature statement and submit. The system validates the form and, if accepted, returns confirmation.

8. Save your confirmation

   You'll receive a confirmation/BSA tracking number. Save a copy of the submitted form and the confirmation for your records — keeping documentation for several years is a prudent practice.

Converting to U.S. dollars

The FBAR is reported in U.S. dollars. To convert a foreign-currency balance, filers generally use the U.S. Treasury's year-end exchange rate for the applicable currency, applied to each account's maximum value. If no Treasury rate exists for a currency, another verifiable rate may be used — keep a record of your source.

Amending or correcting an FBAR

If you discover a mistake after filing — a missing account, a wrong value — you can submit an amended FBAR through the same system, indicating that it corrects a previous filing and referencing the prior submission. It is generally far better to correct an error proactively than to leave it.

Filing a late or missed FBAR

If you realize you should have filed in a prior year and did not, do not ignore it. The BSA E-Filing System lets you file prior-year FBARs and asks for a reason for late filing. Depending on the facts, the IRS offers structured compliance procedures for taxpayers who were unaware of the requirement. Because these situations carry real consequences, this is a point where professional guidance is especially valuable — see Penalties & Compliance.

Filing checklist

• ✔ Confirmed you meet the filing threshold (Who Must File)
• ✔ Gathered institution names, addresses, and account numbers
• ✔ Determined each account's maximum value and converted to USD
• ✔ Completed FinCEN Form 114 in the BSA E-Filing System
• ✔ Reviewed for accuracy and submitted electronically
• ✔ Saved the confirmation and a copy of the filing

This walkthrough is general educational information and is not legal, tax, or financial advice, and procedures on government systems can change. Always follow the current instructions on the official FinCEN BSA E-Filing System and consult a qualified professional for your situation. See our full disclaimer.