Understand the FBAR — clearly and completely.
If you are a U.S. person with money in foreign bank or financial accounts, you may be required to file an FBAR each year. FBAR Information breaks down the rules, thresholds, deadlines, and filing process in plain English.
A common requirement that is easy to overlook
The FBAR is a U.S. financial reporting obligation, not a tax form. It is filed separately from your federal income tax return through the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Many U.S. citizens, green-card holders, and residents who hold accounts abroad are surprised to learn they have this yearly requirement.
The rules can feel technical: what counts as a “foreign financial account,” how the $10,000 threshold works across multiple accounts, and how to convert balances to U.S. dollars. Our guides walk through each of these questions step by step.
Read: What is the FBAR?Everything you need to understand the FBAR
Start anywhere. Each guide is self-contained and written for individuals, not tax professionals.
What is the FBAR?
The purpose of FinCEN Form 114, its legal basis, and how it differs from your tax return.
Learn more →Who must file
Understand “U.S. person,” the $10,000 aggregate test, and which accounts count.
Learn more →How to file
A step-by-step walkthrough of the BSA E-Filing System and the information you'll gather.
Learn more →Deadlines & extensions
The April 15 due date, the automatic October 15 extension, and late-filing basics.
Learn more →Penalties & compliance
Non-willful vs. willful penalties and the general idea behind IRS compliance options.
Learn more →Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions people ask most about foreign account reporting.
Learn more →Might you need to file an FBAR?
You generally have an FBAR requirement for a calendar year if all of the following are true:
You're a U.S. person
A citizen, resident, or a U.S. entity such as a corporation, partnership, LLC, trust, or estate.
You had a foreign account
A financial interest in — or signature authority over — one or more accounts located outside the United States.
Over $10,000 combined
The aggregate value of those accounts exceeded $10,000 at any point during the calendar year.
ℹ️ This is general information only
These conditions are a simplified overview. Exceptions and special situations exist. Read Who Must File for the details, and consult a qualified tax professional about your specific circumstances.
Ready to learn how the FBAR works?
Begin with our plain-English overview, then move through eligibility, filing steps, and deadlines at your own pace.