FBAR filing help - what should I write when my account number is unknown?

You're dealing with a common FBAR issue. When you don't have the complete account number, the FinCEN guidance allows you to provide the partial number you have, followed by "XX" or "unknown" for the missing digits. In your case, you would enter something like "1234XX" or "1234-unknown" in the account number field. What's most important is that you include all the other information accurately - the financial institution name, address, maximum account value during the year, and account type. I would also recommend adding a brief statement in the "explanation" section mentioning that you only have partial account numbers despite your attempts to obtain the complete information from the bank. This shows good faith effort in complying with FBAR requirements.

Just wanted to share my experience with this exact FBAR problem. I was pulling my hair out trying to track down account numbers for old accounts in Singapore when I discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai). Their system helped me properly document my partial account number situation and automatically generated the explanation text for why I couldn't provide full account details. The tool actually walks you through the proper format to use when you only have partial account information and helps you create documentation showing your good-faith effort to obtain the complete numbers. Saved me tons of stress during an already complicated tax season!

I want to follow up about my experience with taxr.ai that I mentioned I was skeptical about earlier. I ended up trying it last weekend after getting frustrated with my own FBAR amendment process. I had 5 accounts with partial information that needed reporting. Their system actually identified a reporting exception I qualified for that I had no idea about. The documentation they provided for my partial account numbers was really comprehensive - way better than what I was going to submit on my own. They even included citations to the specific FBAR regulations about partial account information which makes my filing look much more professional. Honestly wish I'd found it sooner.

If you're still having trouble with your FBAR and need to talk to someone at FinCEN directly, I'd recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I was in a similar situation with partial account numbers and really needed clarification from an actual agent. Spent days trying to get through the regular phone lines with no luck. Claimyr got me connected to a FinCEN representative in about 20 minutes - you can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. The agent confirmed that partial account numbers with "XX" or "unknown" for missing digits is perfectly acceptable as long as you document your attempt to get the full information.

I need to eat my words about being skeptical of Claimyr. I tried it yesterday after spending 3 hours on hold with FinCEN getting nowhere. Their system called me back in about 40 minutes with an actual FinCEN representative on the line. The agent confirmed exactly what others here have said - using the partial account number followed by "XX" is acceptable for FBAR filing as long as you document your attempts to get the complete information. They also told me I should keep records of my communication with the bank showing they refused to provide the full account numbers. This documentation could be important if there are any questions about my filing in the future.

Something else to consider - have you checked your bank statements? Sometimes the full account number appears on those, even if they won't give it to you over the phone. Or if you have online banking access, check the account details section there.

Keep in mind that the FBAR penalties for unintentional errors are typically not imposed if you're making a good faith effort to comply. I had a similar situation and included a detailed explanation of why some account info was partial. No issues resulted from it.

Another approach - if you have any tax documents from that bank (like foreign equivalents of 1099-INT), sometimes the account numbers are listed there. Worth checking any tax documents the bank may have sent you over the years.

Great point about checking tax documents! I'd also suggest looking at any wire transfer receipts or international money transfer records you might have. When I was dealing with overseas accounts, I found that Western Union and bank wire transfer receipts often included the full destination account numbers, even when the bank wouldn't provide them directly. Also, if you used any financial apps or services to manage these accounts (like currency conversion apps or international banking apps), they sometimes store account details in your transaction history that you can access even after the accounts are closed or restricted. The key thing is to keep detailed records of every attempt you make to get the full account numbers. Take screenshots of online banking error messages, save emails from customer service, and document phone call dates and reference numbers. This paper trail will be invaluable if the IRS ever questions your filing.

I went through this exact situation last year with accounts in Germany that I'd forgotten about. The partial account number approach with "XX" really does work - I used "4567XX" format and included a brief explanation in the additional information section. One thing that helped me was contacting the bank via their secure online messaging system rather than phone. Sometimes they're more willing to provide account details through their encrypted messaging platforms since it creates a paper trail. Also, if you have any old debit or credit cards from those accounts, the account number is sometimes printed on the back in small text. The most important thing is to file the amended FBAR as soon as possible. I was worried about penalties too, but since I was proactively correcting an honest mistake and could show I made reasonable efforts to get complete information, there were no issues. The IRS really does seem to focus penalties on people who are trying to hide accounts, not those making good faith efforts to comply.

I'd also recommend checking if you have any old tax preparation software files or documents that might contain the account information. Sometimes when we're preparing taxes, we enter foreign account details into tax software like TurboTax or similar programs, and those files might still have the complete account numbers stored. Another avenue to explore - if you worked for a company abroad and they helped you set up those accounts, your former employer's HR department might have records. Companies sometimes keep copies of banking setup documents for their international employees, especially if they were involved in direct deposit arrangements. The key thing everyone's mentioned here is absolutely right - document everything you're doing to try to get the complete information. I'd even suggest sending a formal written request to the bank (not just phone calls) so you have a paper trail showing they refused to provide the full account numbers. This kind of documentation really strengthens your case that you're making every reasonable effort to comply with FBAR requirements.