IRS Amnesty Program: Streamlined Filing and How It Helps Expats Pay Taxes
Moving to a foreign country can be exciting. During a time when many expats are learning a new way of life, they may forget about old responsibilities. This can lead to overdue taxes. The IRS’s Streamlined Filing Procedures may be able to help.
How Does Streamlined Filing Work?
Today’s Streamlined Filing Procedures were introduced in 2012. The new system was intended to provide an alternative to previous programs, which missed the mark by excluding many of the expats who needed them.
Streamlined Filing Procedures encourage expats to catch up on their taxes. To do this, the program reduced the number of previous years’ returns that are required. In order to use the new procedures, you will need:
- Federal Returns – You must submit three years’ worth of returns. These must be the most recent three years and can include amended returns.
- FBAR Forms – Six years of FBAR forms are required. The FBAR is usually only needed if your non-U.S. bank accounts total $10,000 or more. Streamlined Filing Procedures require FBAR forms even if you have less than $10,000.
- Signed Form 14653 – You must submit a Certification by U.S. Person Residing Outside of the U.S. statement that is signed. This will certify that you are eligible, have filed all FBAR forms, and that your failure to file taxes was not intentional.
Do I Qualify for Streamlined Tax Filing?
Restrictions were removed in 2014, which means that you may be eligible now even if you weren’t over five years ago. If you can produce the items listed above, you may qualify. You must show that you did not file because you were not aware that it was required.
If you have questions about using Streamlined Filing Procedures, let us know. Expatriate Tax Returns can help you navigate the U.S. tax system and get caught up on your financial responsibility.
