FBAR filing requirements if not born in the US but have American citizenship

This is definitely something you need to address. The FBAR (Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Report) requirement isn't based on where you were born, but on your US citizenship status. As a US citizen - even through a parent - you're subject to US tax filing requirements and FBAR reporting obligations. FBAR filing is required for any US person (citizen or resident) who has foreign financial accounts with an aggregate value exceeding $10,000 at any point during the calendar year. Based on your €45,000, you're definitely over this threshold. Not filing the FBAR when required can lead to serious penalties, especially if the IRS considers it a willful failure to file. Non-willful violations can be penalized up to $10,000 per violation, while willful violations could be penalized up to the greater of $100,000 or 50% of the account balances. The good news is there are programs available to help people who didn't know about these requirements get compliant with minimal or no penalties. Look into the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures, which are specifically designed for taxpayers who didn't know about their filing obligations.

I was in almost the exact same situation! Born in Germany, American mom, never lived in the US. I found out about FBAR requirements after my bank started asking about my US citizenship status. I was totally freaking out about potential penalties. I used https://taxr.ai to help me figure out my situation. It analyzed my specific circumstances and outlined exactly what forms I needed to file. The service walked me through the Streamlined Filing Procedures mentioned above and helped me understand what documents I needed to submit. The best part was that it helped me prepare a statement explaining my reasonable cause for not filing earlier - basically that I didn't know I needed to file. This is crucial for avoiding penalties. Honestly, it made the whole process way less terrifying than I expected.

Just wanted to update after trying taxr.ai for my situation. I was super anxious about potentially facing penalties for years of not filing FBARs from Spain. The system asked me detailed questions about my citizenship, income, and bank accounts. It confirmed I needed to use the Streamlined Foreign Offshore Procedures and helped me prepare my non-willful certification statement explaining why I hadn't filed before (literally had no idea this was required). The guidance was really clear on exactly which years I needed to file for and what documentation I needed. Even showed me how the foreign tax credits work so I wouldn't be double-taxed on my Spanish income. Honestly such a relief to have this sorted now instead of worrying about it.

For anyone dealing with FBAR issues or needing to talk directly with the IRS about foreign account reporting - I HIGHLY recommend using https://claimyr.com to get through to an actual person at the IRS. After struggling for weeks to get someone on the phone, I used their service and got connected in about 20 minutes. This was incredibly helpful because the IRS international tax department actually gave me specific guidance on my situation (US citizen living in Korea, never filed FBARs). Check out their demo video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c to see how it works. Basically they navigate the phone system and wait on hold for you, then call you when an actual agent is on the line. Getting direct answers from an IRS agent really helped clarify what I needed to do and gave me peace of mind that I was handling things correctly. For something as serious as FBAR compliance, it was worth it to speak directly with the authorities.

Just wanted to follow up about my experience with Claimyr. After my skeptical comment, I decided to try it because I was desperate to speak with someone at the IRS about my foreign accounts situation. I was honestly shocked when they actually got me through to an IRS agent who specialized in international tax issues! The agent confirmed I needed to file using the Streamlined Foreign Offshore Procedures since I've been living outside the US my whole life. They explained exactly which years I needed to file for and assured me that if I disclosed voluntarily through the program, I wouldn't face the scary penalties everyone talks about. Such a relief to have official confirmation instead of just piecing together advice from forums. Saved me days of anxiety and uncertainty. Will definitely use this again when I need to contact any government agency.

as someone who discovered my US filing obligations late (born in sweden, american father), i totally understand your panic! a couple practical points that helped me: - the streamlined procedures are great if you genuinely didn't know (called "non-willful") - you'll need to file 3 years of back taxes and 6 years of FBARs - most dual citizens don't actually owe US tax due to foreign tax credits - FBAR is just an information form, not a tax payment thing biggest advice: don't ignore it now that you know. i waited another year after finding out and regretted the extra stress. there are accountants who specialize in expat taxes if you need help!

my experience: ignored this for years then had my european bank threaten to close my accounts if i didn't provide US tax forms (due to FATCA). trust me, waiting makes it worse! the penalties for willful non-compliance are scary ($100k+), but if you genuinely didn't know (non-willful), the streamlined procedures exist exactly for people like us. the key is filing before they find you! oh and important tip: some european banks are now refusing service to US citizens because of the reporting hassle. might be worth not mentioning your US citizenship to any new banks if possible 🤫

I'm in a very similar situation - US citizen through my mother, born and raised in Canada, just found out about FBAR requirements last month. The panic is real! After doing a lot of research and speaking with a tax professional, here's what I learned that might help you: 1. Yes, you absolutely need to file FBAR - it's based on citizenship, not birthplace or residency. At €45,000, you're well over the $10,000 threshold. 2. The Streamlined Foreign Offshore Procedures are your friend here. You can catch up on 3 years of tax returns and 6 years of FBARs without penalties if you can certify your non-compliance was non-willful (which sounds like your case). 3. You'll likely need to get a US Social Security Number first if you don't have one - you can apply at a US consulate in Amsterdam. 4. Don't wait! The longer you put it off, the harder it becomes to argue it was non-willful. Plus, with FATCA agreements, Dutch banks are likely already reporting US person accounts to the IRS. The good news is most people in our situation don't actually owe US taxes due to foreign tax credits and exclusions. It's mostly just paperwork to prove you don't owe anything. But that paperwork is unfortunately mandatory. Consider getting help from a tax professional who specializes in expat/dual citizen situations - it's complex enough that it's worth the investment for peace of mind.