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Audits Involving Offshore Accounts

Offshore bank accounts have long been a path for US citizens to hide income and assets from creditors including the IRS. Recent actions by the US Department of Justice have given rise to exchange of banking information between foreign banks and the IRS, making it much more likely that the IRS will eventually find out about foreign bank accounts regardless of whether or not they are reported through the FBAR or tax returns. In addition to these agreements between the DOJ and various foreign governments, the IRS has significantly increased their resources dedicated to international tax issues and collecting unpaid taxes and the penalties and interest associated with them. In the current environment of escalated scrutiny, it is critically important that any US person with a foreign bank account make sure that they are in full compliance.

Are U.S. Citizens Permitted to Have Offshore Accounts?

Yes, it is perfectly legal for a U.S. citizen to open an offshore bank account. There are valid reasons for a taxpayer to want a offshore bank account, such as protecting assets from litigation, conducting business internationally, or capitalizing on investment opportunities. However, offshore accounts can also be seen as a “red flag” to IRS agents and can increase the chances of an audit taking place.

Do I Have to Report Income Earned in Foreign Countries to the IRS?

Yes, U.S. citizens, resident aliens and those who pass the basic requirements of the “substantial presence” test are required to pay taxes to the IRS for income earned in foreign countries. However, a credit for taxes paid to the foreign country may decrease the amount of tax owed to the IRS. For example, if a taxpayer pays taxes to a foreign country for income earned in that country, the tax already paid is applied to the amount owed to the IRS.

Am I Required to Disclose the Existence of a Foreign Bank Account?

The IRS has a voluntary disclosure policy with respect to foreign bank accounts. On Schedule B of a taxpayer’s tax return, the taxpayer will be asked to check a box if they have an ownership of or interest in foreign bank accounts. Failure to report a foreign account constitutes criminal activity and is accompanies by some of the most severe penalties in the internal revenue code, along with the potential for jail time.

In recent years, the IRS has cracked down on taxpayers who fail to report foreign bank accounts, trusts, and offshore credit cards. Failing to pay taxes on these accounts can result in criminal and civil fines and penalties, and possibly even jail, and the IRS takes this very seriously.

It is when unreported foreign bank accounts are found through this system that these incredibly harsh penalties are implemented.

When Will the IRS Decide to Audit Offshore Accounts?

Any taxpayer with a foreign bank account containing more than $10,000 over the course of the tax year is required to report to the IRS. Generally, the existence of a foreign bank account is enough to raise the red flags of the IRS. In addition, a taxpayer who takes frequent international trips in a year, but does not declare any foreign income, might seem suspicious to the IRS. Finally, as with audits on domestic earnings, the IRS randomly audits a certain percentage of the population. High earners are more likely to fall within the scrutiny of the IRS.

How a Tax Attorney Can Help

Foreign tax accounts are likely targets for IRS action because they have historically been associated with tax evasion and other tax crimes. A noncompliant foreign account can have criminal consequences, so the advice of an experienced tax attorney is absolutely critical. If you have a foreign tax account that you have failed to disclose previously, a tax attorney can counsel you on the best way to provide this information to the IRS. If you have foreign accounts being audited by the IRS, then a tax lawyer experienced in foreign audits can help you fight the serious penalties, fines, and criminal charges that may follow.

The Tax Lawyer - William D Hartsock has been working with clients to navigate various IRS voluntary disclosure programs since the 1980's. Call Mr. Hartsock today for a free consultation with the full benefit of attorney client privilege.

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The Tax Lawyer - William D. Hartsock, Esq. – San Diego Tax Attorney

Author: William D. Hartsock, Esq

A "Certified Tax Law Specialist" for over 37 years, Mr. Hartsock is one of the most trusted and respected tax attorneys in Southern California. Call today to discuss the facts of your case and learn about your options. Mr. Hartsock offers free consultations and all conversations are protected under attorney-client privilege; meaning that no information shared with a tax attorney will be shared with the IRS or California Franchise Tax Board.