FATCA Is Officially Underway
We’ve been talking about it for months and according to the IRS, FATCA is now officially underway. The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act is live and the IRS is actively exchanging information with several other countries that have signed on. So what does that mean for you and your information if you have funds in a foreign bank account? Is your information now subject to the IRS?
According to the nation’s top tax agency, at this time it is only sharing information in reciprocal exchanges that meet the agency’s strict requirements and security standards. FATCA was first passed in 2010, but most of the law didn’t take effect until this year. Any foreign institution that doesn’t comply stands to be frozen out of the all-important U.S. markets. In other words, compliance really isn’t an option.
The IRS is now offering a searchable financial institution list, as well as a downloadable tool, plus a user guide. All foreign financial institutions that have signed up with FATCA have to disclose names, addresses, account numbers and information and U.S. ID numbers. Taxpayers also need to be aware that reporting their foreign account information with FATCA is not enough. They must still file their FBARs, and a Form 8938 might also be necessary.
Make sure you don’t overlook these forms or you will wind up paying penalties: civil and possibly criminal. Sometimes the civil penalties, or the financial fines, could actually exceed the amount in your foreign account. While FATCA is really just getting started, you better not wait to get in compliance. GROCO can help you prepare for FATCA, as well as with your FBARs and your Form 8938. Click here to contact us or call us at 1-877-CPA-2006.
Section 213 Medical, Dental, etc., Expenses
Section 213 Medical, Dental, etc., Expenses (a) Allowance of deduction There shall be allowed as a deduction the expenses paid during the taxable year, not compensated for by insurance or otherwise, for medical care of the taxpayer, his spouse, or a dependent, to the extent that such expenses exceed 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income.…
Prevent an IRS Audit, 10 Strategies
Prevent an IRS Audit, 10 Strategies Do you like to prevent an IRS audit, well, here are 10 strategies that might help avoid an agent making a visit to your home or office. I don’t know many people who like these experiences, but knowing strategies to prevent an unwanted visit could certainly save you from…
10 Strategies When Handling an IRS Audit
10 Strategies When Handling an IRS Audit The IRS is using new technology to process tax returns and conduct tax audits. As more people are submitting returns through Electronic Filing, the IRS efficiency in processing returns is improving. They also have more data in their system to identify tax returns with non-compliance issues. The IRS…
When to Exercise Your Stock Options
When to Exercise Your Stock Options “Deciding when to exercise your option can be a complex decision. Therefore, it is important to know the rules before you decide to cash in your options.” Know the Rules Employee stock options can provide you with a substantial source of deferred income and permit you to control the…