Internal Revenue Manual

IRM 4.26.17 — Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) Procedures

Part 4. Examining Process

Chapter 26. Bank Secrecy Act Section 17. Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) Procedures 4.26.17 Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) Procedures Manual Transmittal September 04, 2025 Purpose (1) This transmits revised IRM 4.26.17, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) Procedures. Material Changes (1) Minor editorial edits have been made throughout this IRM. (2) Fraud Technical Advisor (FTA) title has been revised to Fraud Enforcement Advisor (FEA) throughout this IRM. (3) FinCEN Query (FCQ) has been revised to BSA Search throughout this IRM. (4) IRM 4.26.17.1.3 has been revised to change the title to Roles and Responsibilities. (5) IRM 4.26.17.1.5, Program Controls, has been added to the internal controls of this IRM. (6) This IRM is modified for guidance found in SBSE-04-0723-0034, Interim Guidance on FBAR Examination Case Procedures Due to Supreme Court Decision (Bittner v. US), dated July 6, 2023, SBSE-04-0823-0046, Rescind IGM SBSE-04-1222-0018, Updated Deviation for FBAR Compliance Activity, to Modify Procedures for CTR Operations' Building Closure, dated August 8, 2023, SBSE-04-0424-0021, Guidance for Related and Spin-off FBAR Examinations in SB/SE Examination – Specialty, BSA, dated April 29, 2024, and SBSE-04-1024-0055, Interim Guidance on Servicewide FBAR Examination Procedures Obsoleting Letter 4265, dated October 17, 2024. The following chart details the changes: Current IRM Citation Change and Source 4.26.17.1.6(4) Added the term "digital signature" for employee signatures for SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 1 (Document Receipt/Transmission and Signatures section). 4.26.17.2.2(5) Has been revised per SBSE-04-0424-0021. 4.26.17.2.2 (10) Has been revised per SBSE-04-0424-0021. 4.26.17.2.3(6) Has been revised per SBSE-04-0424-0021. 4.26.17.2.3.1(3) Has been modified for SBSE-04-0424-0021. For improved presentation, moves submission procedures in (3) to new paragraph 4 with additional procedures from SBSE-04-0424-0021. 4.26.17.2.3.1(4) Has been created from and merged with submission procedures from prior paragraph (3) for SBSE-04-0424-0021. 4.26.17.2.3.1(5) Renumbered prior paragraph (4) to (5). 4.26.17.2.3.1(6) Has been created for SBSE-04-0424-0021. 4.26.17.2.4.1(1) Has been revised to replace list of individual documents in 1(a)-1(t) with Form 4318-B, FBAR Examination Workpapers Index, per SBSE-04-1024-0055, attachment 2. 4.26.17.2.4.1(2) Has been added per SBSE-04-1024-0055, attachment 2. 4.26.17.2.4.1(3) Has been added per SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3 (Shipping Non-Protested FBAR Cases section). 4.26.17.2.4.2(1) Has been modified consistent with modification to 4.26.17.2.4.1(1) for Form 4318-B replacing individual document list in 1(a)-1(m). Has been moved f rom prior (1)(k) note to a note in 4.26.17.4.3.4(6)(c). 4.26.17.2.4.2(2) Has been added for requirements in SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3 to retain documents used in electronic processing procedures. 4.26.17.2.4.2(3) Has been added per SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3 (After Submitting the Electronic Processing Package to CTR Operations section). 4.26.17.2.4.3 Has been modified to incorporate Form 3198 instructions in SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3 (After Submitting the Electronic Processing Package to CTR Operations and Shipping Protested Cases sections). Restructures existing content in this section for improved presentation. 4.26.17.3.1(1) Adds a note from SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 1 (Statute Review section). 4.26.17.3.1.3(4) Adds new sub-paragraph (a) for SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 1 (If ASED expires in less than 180 days section). Has modified paragraph (4) for improved readability. Prior sub-paragraphs 4(a)-(e) were re-lettered to 4(b)-(f). 4.26.17.3.1.3(5) Adds new subparagraph (i) for SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3 (Shipping Protested Cases section), regarding information to provide during consent solicitation. Renumbers prior 5(i) to 5(j). 4.26.17.3.1.3 Adds new paragraphs (6)(i) and (7) from the table in SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 1 (If ASED expires in less than 180 days section). Prior paragraphs 7-9 are renumbered to 8-10. 4.26.17.3.1.3(8)(b) Has been modified for digital signature guidance in SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 1 (Document Receipt/Transmission and Signatures section). 4.26.17.3.2(1) Has been revised per SBSE-04-1024-0055, attachment 2. 4.26.17.3.2(2) Has been revised per SBSE-04-1024-0055, attachment 2. 4.26.17.3.2(3) Has been revised per SBSE-04-1024-0055, attachment 2. 4.26.17.3.2(6) Has been deleted as obsolete per SBSE-04-1024-0055, attachment 2. 4.26.17.3.3(1) Has been revised per SBSE-04-1024-0055, attachment 1. 4.26.17.3.3(2) Has been added per SBSE-04-1024-0055, attachment 1. 4.26.17.3.3(3) Has been added per SBSE-04-1024-0055, attachment 1. 4.26.17.3.3(4) Has been added per SBSE-04-1024-0055, attachment 1. 4.26.17.3.3(5) Has been added per SBSE-04-1024-0055, attachment 1. 4.26.17.3.3(6) Has been added per SBSE-04-1024-0055, attachment 1. 4.26.17.3.3(7) Has been added per SBSE-04-1024-0055, attachment 1. 4.26.17.3.3.1, Letter 6639 Has been created per SBSE-04-1024-0055, attachment 1. 4.26.17.3.3.2, Letter 6640 Has been created per SBSE-04-1024-0055, attachment 1. 4.26.17.3.3.3, Letter 6641 Has been created per SBSE-04-1024-0055, attachment 1. 4.26.17.3.4.1(3) Has been revised per SBSE-04-1024-0055, attachment 2. 4.26.17.3.4.1(4) Has been added per SBSE-04-1024-0055, attachment 1. 4.26.17.3.4.1(5) Has been added per SBSE-04-1024-0055, attachment 1. 4.26.17.3.7 Preparing Form 13449 Has been created for SBSE-04-0723-0034, attachment 2. Second sentence of 4.26.17.4.3(4)(b) is moved here with minor edits. 4.26.17.3.7.1 General Preparation of Form 13449 Has been created for SBSE-04-0723-0034, attachment 2. Has been added paragraph (3) for digital signature guidance in SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 1. 4.26.17.3.7.2 Account Information on Form 13449 Has been created for SBSE-04-0723-0034, attachment 2. 4.26.17.3.8, Required Coordination Due to Court Decisions Has been created for SBSE-04-0723-0034, attachment 4 and for the last sentence of attachment 2. 4.26.17.4(2)(a) Has been revised as it pertains to mitigation per SBSE-04-0723-0034, attachment 1. 4.26.17.4(3)(c)-(f) Have been deleted. Prior content is incorporated into new IRM 4.26.17.4.6, Electronic Processing when Ready to Close, and closing IRMs within 4.26.17.4, as needed to incorporate SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3, by closure type. 4.26.17.4(5) Has been modified to accommodate the need to reference new IRM 4.26.17.4.6, Electronic Processing when Ready to Close. 4.26.17.4.1(3) Has been modified to incorporate new IRM 4.26.17.4.6, Electronic Processing when Ready to Close (created for SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3). 4.26.17.4.1 (4) Has been modified to incorporate new IRM 4.26.17.4.6, Electronic Processing when Ready to Close, (created for SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3) and content previously in IRM 4.26.17.4(3)(e) and (f). 4.26.17.4.2(2) Has bene modified for digital signature guidance in SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 1 (Document Receipt/Transmission and Signatures section). 4.26.17.4.2(7) Has been modified to incorporate new IRM 4.26.17.4.6, Electronic Processing when Ready to Close (created for SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3). 4.26.17.4.2(8) Has been modified to incorporate new IRM 4.26.17.4.6, Electronic Processing when Ready to Close, (created for SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3) and content previously in IRM 4.26.17.4(3)(e) and (f). 4.26.17.4.3(1) Has been revised as it pertains to mitigation per SBSE-04-0723-0034, attachment 1. 4.26.17.4.3(4)(b) Has been modified to accommodate new 4.26.17.3.7 Preparing Form 13449 (created for SBSE-04-0723-0034, attachment 2). Second sentence is moved with minor edits to new 4.26.17.3.7(1). 4.26.17.4.3(8) Has been added to incorporate new IRM 4.26.17.4.6, Electronic Processing when Ready to Close (created for SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3), and identify exception per SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3. Renumber prior paragraph (8) to (9). 4.26.17.4.3(9) Previously paragraph (8). Modified to accommodate new IRM 4.26.17.4.3.5, Preparing Form 13448 (CTR Operations Only) (created for SBSE-04-0723-0034, attachment 3). Has been added 2nd to last sentence for digital signature guidance in SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 1 (Document Receipt/Transmission and Signatures section). Has been moved sentences 3-5 of prior 4.26.17.4.3(8)(b) (now (9)(b)) with minor edits to new 4.26.17.4.3.5(2). 4.26.17.4.3.2(2)(b) Has been modified to incorporate new IRM 4.26.17.4.6, Electronic Processing when Ready to Close (created for SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3). 4.26.17.4.3.2(2)(e) and (f) Have been deleted. Prior content is addressed within new IRM 4.26.17.4.6.3(3), After Submitting the Electronic Processing Package to CTR Operations, (created for SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3). 4.26.17.4.3.2(3) Has been added to incorporate new IRM 4.26.17.4.6, Electronic Processing when Ready to Close (created for SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3). 4.26.17.4.3.2(4) Has been added to incorporate new IRM 4.26.17.4.6, Electronic Processing when Ready to Close, (created for SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3) and content previously in IRM 4.26.17.4(3)(e) and (f). 4.26.17.4.3.3(6)(b) Has been modified to incorporate new IRM 4.26.17.4.6, Electronic Processing when Ready to Close (created for SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3). 4.26.17.4.3.3(6)(d) and (e) Has been deleted. Prior content is addressed within new IRM 4.26.17.4.6.3(3), After Submitting the Electronic Processing Package to CTR Operations, (created for SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3). 4.26.17.4.3.3(7) Has been added to incorporate new IRM 4.26.17.4.6, Electronic Processing when Ready to Close (created for SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3). 4.26.17.4.3.3(8) Has been added to incorporate new IRM 4.26.17.4.6, Electronic Processing when Ready to Close, (created for SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3) and content previously in IRM 4.26.17.4(3)(e) and (f). 4.26.17.4.3.4(6)(c) Has been added note previously from 4.26.17.2.4.2(1)(k) that would otherwise be deleted due to Form 4318-B replacing the list of individual documents per SBSE-04-1024-0055, attachment 2. 4.26.17.4.3.4(6)(d) and (e) Has been deleted. Prior content is addressed within new IRM 4.26.17.4.6.3(3), After Submitting the Electronic Processing Package to CTR Operations, (created for SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3). 4.26.17.4.3.4(7) Has been added for SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3. Prior paragraph (7) and (8) are renumbered to (8) and (9), respectively. 4.26.17.4.3.4(9) Has been modified to incorporate new IRM 4.26.17.4.6, Electronic Processing when Ready to Close (created for SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3). 4.26.17.4.3.4.1(3) Has been modified to move the last half of this paragraph to new paragraph (6) to accommodate new paragraphs (4) and (5) from SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3, so procedures in this subsection are in order. 4.26.17.4.3.4.1(4) Has been added from SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3 (Shipping Protested Cases section). 4.26.17.4.3.4.1(5) Has been added from SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3 (Shipping Protested Cases section). 4.26.17.4.3.4.1(6) Has been created from prior paragraph (3) to accommodate additional steps in new paragraphs (4) and (5) from SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3, so procedures in this subsection are in order. 4.26.17.4.3.4.1(7) Has been moved from paragraph (4) to (7). Modified for SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3 (multiple sections). 4.26.17.4.3.4.1(8) Has been renumbered prior paragraph (5). 4.26.17.4.3.4.1(9) Previously paragraph (6). Modified to identify when shipping to Technical Services applies (as a result of SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3, Shipping Protested Cases section). 4.26.17.4.3.4.1(10) Has been renumbered prior paragraph (7). 4.26.17.4.3.4.2(4) Has been revised for new IRM 4.26.17.4.6, Electronic Processing when Ready to Close (created for SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3). 4.26.17.4.3.4.2(5) Has been added for new IRM 4.26.17.4.6, Electronic Processing when Ready to Close (created for SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3). 4.26.17.4.3.4.2(6) Previously paragraph (5). Modified for shipping protested cases per SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3. 4.26.17.4.3.4.2(7) Has been modified to consolidate content with prior paragraph (6), eliminating steps obsoleted or covered by new IRM 4.26.17.4.6, Electronic Processing when Ready to Close (created for SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3). 4.26.17.4.3.4.2(8) Has been revised to correct erroneous reference to examiner (changed to Appeals) and to replace reference to following procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4 to "this IRM" to accommodate other sections with relevant procedures. 4.26.17.4.3.4.2(9) Is added from SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3 (Shipping Protested Cases section), omitting email address of now-separated individual and using BSA Policy organizational mailbox for continuity. 4.26.17.4.3.5, Preparing Form 13448 (CTR Operations Only) Has been created for SBSE-04-0723-0034, attachment 3. Paragraph (1) explicitly identifies CTR Operations' authority to prepare the form consistent with existing language throughout IRM 4.26.17. Paragraph (2) is added from sentences 3-5 of prior 4.26.17.4.3(8)(b) (now (9)(b)), moved here with minor edits. 4.26.17.4.3.5.1, Form 13448 for Only Non-Willful Reporting Violations Has been created for SBSE-04-0723-0034, attachment 3. 4.26.17.4.3.5.2, Form 13448 for All Other Violations Has been created to ensure 4.26.17.4.3.5.1 (created from SBSE-04-0723-0034, attachment 3) is not misapplied to Form 13448 prepared for other violations, and to reconcile guidance in SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3 (CTR Operations: Processing the Electronic Packages) to prepare Form 13448 "as normal" for these violations. 4.26.17.4.4(5) – (10) Paragraph (5) is revised and new paragraphs (6)-(10) added for payment processing guidance, but not routing, from SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 2. Routing to Ogden per SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 2, is obsolete as CTR Operations building is no longer closed. Thus, payments route to CTR Operations per historical IRM, including 4.26.17.4.4 and IRM Exhibit 4.26.17-2. 4.26.17.4.4(11)-(14) Renumbered prior paragraphs (6)-(9) 4.26.17.4.5(5) Has been revised for SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3 (Shipping Protested Cases and Shipping Non-Protested FBAR Cases sections). Prior paragraphs (5)-(7) are combined here due to alignment issues previously misrepresenting the information. 4.26.17.4.6, Electronic Processing When Ready to Close Has been created per SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3, and includes coordination for other revisions made to this IRM, including in IRM 4.26.17.2.4, IRM 4.26.17.3.7, IRM 4.26.17.4, and IRM 4.26.17.4.3.5. 4.26.17.4.6.1, Submitting an Electronic Processing Package to CTR Operations Has been created per SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3 (introductory paragraph, Preparing an FBAR Case for Closure and When Electronic Processing is Required sections) 4.26.17.4.6.2, CTR Operations: Processing the Electronic Packages Has been created per SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3 (section of the same title Paragraph (5) added document retention information previously in 4.26.17.4.3.4.2(6) 4.26.17.4.6.3, After Submitting the Electronic Processing Package to CTR Operations Has been created per SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3 (section of the same title), omitting email address of now-separated individual and using BSA Policy organizational mailbox for continuity. 4.26.17.4.6.3, After Submitting the Electronic Processing Package to CTR Operations Has been created per SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3 (section of the same title), omitting email address of now-separated individual and using BSA Policy organizational mailbox for continuity. 4.26.17.4.6.4, Final Case Preparation When the Physical Case File is Ready to Ship Has been created per SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 3 (section of the same title, and Shipping Non-Protested FBAR Cases section), omitting email address of now-separated individual. Exhibit 4.26.17-2 Updates CTR Operations floor number per SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 2. Restructured table information into numbered paragraphs for streamlined presentation. Exhibit 4.26.17-5 Updated 1 fax number for Exhibit update posted on Servicewide FBAR Knowledge Base referenced in SBSE-04-0823-0046, attachment 2, footnote 3. Effect on Other Documents This material supersedes IRM 4.26.17 dated November 22, 2021. This IRM incorporates the guidance found in SBSE-04-0723-0034, Interim Guidance on FBAR Examination Case Procedures Due to Supreme Court Decision (Bittner v. US), dated July 6, 2023, SBSE-04-0823-0046, Rescind IGM SBSE-04-1222-0018, Updated Deviation for FBAR Compliance Activity, to Modify Procedures for CTR Operations' Building Closure, dated August 8, 2023, SBSE-04-1024-0055, Interim Guidance on Servicewide FBAR Examination Procedures Obsoleting Letter 4265, dated October 17, 2024, and SBSE-04-0424-0021, Guidance for Related and Spin-off FBAR Examinations in SB/SE Examination – Specialty, BSA, dated April 29, 2024. Audience Intended audience is all employees and managers who are responsible for ensuring compliance with the reporting and record keeping requirements of the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts. Effective Date (09-04-2025) Heather J. Yocum Acting Director, HQ, Specialty Exam Policy Small Business/Self-Employed

Program, Scope and Objectives

4.26.17.1 (09-04-2025) Program, Scope and Objectives Purpose. This IRM contains procedures for cases relating to the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR). Objectives – consistency in audit procedures and processing of FBAR cases selected for examination. Revenue agents and their managers are responsible for adhering to the content of this IRM. Employees will perform examinations of FBAR returns and determine compliance. Audience. This IRM is for all Revenue Agents and their managers of SB/SE and LB&I responsible for ensuring compliance with the reporting and record keeping requirements of the FBAR. Policy Owner. The Director, SB/SE Examination, Specialty Policy. Program Owner. Director, Examination - Specialty Examination owns Bank Secrecy Act. Primary Stakeholders. IRS employees in all operating divisions who are responsible for ensuring compliance with the reporting and record keeping requirements of the FBAR. IRS Office of Chief Counsel employees who provide guidance and clarification on interpreting laws related to FBAR provisions. Contact Information. To recommend changes or make any other suggestions related to this IRM section, see IRM 1.11.6.5, Providing Feedback About an IRM Section - Outside of Clearance.

Background

4.26.17.1.1 (12-11-2019) Background The Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) is required by the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA). The statutory and regulatory authority for the FBAR requirements are in Title 31 Section 5314 of the United States Code and the related regulations under 31 CFR 1010.306, Filing of Reports, 31 CFR 1010.350, Reports of Foreign Financial Accounts, and 31 CFR 1010.420, Records to be Made and Retained by Persons Having Financial Interests in Foreign Financial Accounts. The Secretary of the Treasury delegated the authority to the IRS to administer civil compliance with Title II of the BSA to the Director, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). FinCEN redelegated the authority to interpret the law, examine for compliance, and enforce penalties for violations of the FBAR requirements. Each business operating division (BOD) within the IRS works its own FBAR cases. The Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of 2014, Public Law 114-41, changed the due date for FBAR reports due for calendar year 2016 and subsequent years to April 15th. FinCEN granted filers failing to meet the FBAR annual due date of April 15th an automatic extension to October 15th each year. When the FBAR due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date is delayed until the next business day.

Authority

4.26.17.1.2 (12-11-2019) Authority FBAR rules emanate from 31 USC 5314, Records and Reports on Foreign Financial Agency Transactions, and related regulations under 31 CFR 1010.350, Reports of Foreign Financial Accounts.

Roles and Responsibilities

4.26.17.1.3 (12-11-2019) Roles and Responsibilities The Director, SB/SE Examination, Specialty Policy, is the executive responsible for the FBAR program. The BSA Policy Program Manager has shared responsibility with the Program Manager, SB/SE HQ Exam, Exam Quality and Technical Support, Offshore and Entities Team and the Program Manager, Offshore Compliance Initiatives, Withholding and International Individual Compliance (WIIC), Large Business and International Division (LB&I) to provide oversight in administering the FBAR program. This oversight supports development and implementation of strategies to address non-compliance. IRS examiners and technical support from each BOD within IRS are responsible for identifying and addressing issues related to FBAR non-compliance. IRS Office of Chief Counsel provides guidance and clarification on interpreting laws related to FBAR provisions.

Program Management and Review

4.26.17.1.4 (12-11-2019) Program Management and Review Program Goals: To fulfill service-wide responsibility of the FBAR program and to ensure compliance operations are efficient and effective by improving and creating uniformity in conducting FBAR examinations across operating divisions. Program Reports: Information regarding the reporting of program objectives are included, but not limited to: FBAR Improvement Team Briefings Program Manager Monthly Briefings Examination Operational Review and Business Performance Reviews Program Effectiveness: Periodic program reviews are conducted to: Assess the effectiveness of specific programs within Examination or across the organization, Determine if procedures are being followed, Validate policies and procedures, and Identify and share best/proven practices. Periodic Review: The BSA Policy Program Manager is responsible for reviewing the information in this IRM to ensure accuracy and promote consistent tax administration.

Program Controls

4.26.17.1.5 (09-04-2025) Program Controls 31 CFR 1010.810(b)(8), Delegation, delegates authority to examine the compliance to the BSA to the Commissioner of Internal Revenue. The delegation includes non-bank financial institutions such as check cashers to examine all financial institutions, except brokers or dealers in securities, mutual funds, futures commission merchants, introducing brokers in commodities, and commodity trading advisors, not currently examined by Federal bank supervisory agencies for soundness and safety. The IRS BSA program operates under the framework of internal controls designed to ensure that examinations are conducted consistently, accurately, and in accordance with BSA laws, regulations, and IRS policies. Key controls include: Periodic reviews of examination case files by group managers Standardized training for examiners, and Review of closed case files is conducted to monitor adherence to established procedures. BSA group managers regularly evaluate workload management, risk assessments, and resource allocation within their groups. The managers achieve the evaluations via workload and individual case reviews of the examiners within their group. The reviews provide feedback to examiners on their effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvements. BSA Exam examiners access BSA Search to review the filed forms of businesses assigned. Access is restricted, requiring training and permission prior to access. Reports of use Access limitations (passwords for data systems, reports permission levels BSA Search. BSA Exam group managers monitor the use of BSA Search by BSA examiners assigned to their group. Periodic audits are conducted to ensure compliance with the access and use policies.

Acronyms

4.26.17.1.6 (12-11-2019) Acronyms See Exhibit 4.26.17-1 for a list of commonly used acronyms and their definitions.

Terms

4.26.17.1.7 (09-04-2025) Terms In this section of the IRM, whenever the terms "extend" , "extended" , "extending" , "extension" , or "extensions" are used in reference to a statute of limitations or the period of assessment for a penalty for failing to file an FBAR or for failing to keep records, the definition of such term includes a waiver of the statute of limitations defense. In this section of the IRM, whenever the terms "assessment statute" , "statute date" , or "statute" , are used in reference to a statute of limitations or the period of assessment for a penalty for failing to file an FBAR or for failing to keep records, the definition of such term includes the time period for which a filer has waived his/her statute of limitations defense. In this section of the IRM, whenever the term "filer" is used, the definition of such term includes a US person required to file the FBAR that does not file the FBAR. In this section of the IRM, whenever the term "digital signature" is used in reference to employee signatures, the definition of such term means a digital signature meeting the requirements of IRM 4.10.1.4.4, Digital Signatures. Documents available on the Published Product Catalog with digital signature setup in the current revision are inherently authorized for employee digital signature and need not be explicitly authorized for such in this IRM.

Related Resources

4.26.17.1.8 (12-11-2019) Related Resources This section should be read together with IRM 4.26.16, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR), for a complete understanding of FBAR law and procedures. See the following for additional information: IRM 1.2.2.15.13, Delegation Order 25-13 (Rev. 1), Enforcement of Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) Requirements IRM 4.26.6, Bank Secrecy Act Examiner Responsibilities for BSA Examinations IRM 4.26.14, Disclosure IRM 4.26.15, General Program

Starting an FBAR Examination

4.26.17.2 (12-11-2019) Starting an FBAR Examination Procedures to start an FBAR examination depend on whether the FBAR examination was initiated from a Title 26 (Internal Revenue Code) examination. If the FBAR examination stems from a Title 26 examination, Form 13535, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Related Statute Memorandum (RSM), is required. See IRM 4.26.17.2.1. If the FBAR examination does not result from a Title 26 examination, no RSM is required. Instead, Form 13536, FBAR Monitoring Document (FMD), is used. See IRM 4.26.17.2.2. In all FBAR examinations: The approved originating document (RSM or FMD) must be submitted to CTR Operations to record the case on the FBAR database. ERCS controls must be secured. Exception: This requirement does not apply to TE/GE. The examiner will set up a separate FBAR case file.

Starting an FBAR Examination Resulting from Title 26 – Related Statute Memorandum (RSM) Required

4.26.17.2.1 (12-11-2019) Starting an FBAR Examination Resulting from Title 26 – Related Statute Memorandum (RSM) Required A Title 26 examination may contain or obtain information that may also be relevant to a Title 31 FBAR examination. For example: Bank account information that is a necessary part of an income probe may reveal the existence of a foreign financial account requiring the filing of an FBAR, Information provided to IRS may reveal the existence of a foreign financial account requiring the filing of an FBAR, or A taxpayer may voluntarily file amended income tax returns to disclose previously unreported foreign income that may reveal the existence of a foreign financial account requiring the filing of an FBAR. Examples of examinations conducted under Title 26 include, but are not limited to, income tax, international information return penalty investigations and Form 8300, Report of Cash Payments Over $10,000 Received in a Trade or Business, examinations. If the information indicating potential FBAR noncompliance is from a Title 26 examination that information is considered "return information" and is protected by IRC 6103, Confidentiality and Disclosure of Returns and Return Information. As such, that information cannot be used or disclosed in a Title 31 FBAR examination unless a determination is made that the two statutes, Title 26 and Title 31, are related. For an in-depth discussion of the related statute determination, its basis in IRC 6103, the factors in making the determination and its effect, see IRM 4.26.14, Disclosure. If the statutes are related, then Title 31 is considered "tax administration" under the "related statute" portion of the definition of tax administration in IRC 6103 and all information gathered as part of the investigation is considered return information protected by IRC 6103. See IRM 9.3.1.4.3.1.1.2(4), Related Statute Determination. The determination of whether the two statutes are related is documented on Form 13535, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Related Statute Memorandum (RSM) and signed by the designated official. Two situations arise: If the statutes are not related, the RSM indicates the potential FBAR violation was not in furtherance of a potential Title 26 violation. See IRM 4.26.17.2.1.1 for additional information. If the statutes are related, the RSM indicates the potential FBAR violation was in furtherance of a potential Title 26 violation. See IRM 4.26.17.2.1.1 for additional information. For purposes of the RSM, the "designated official" is as follows: For TEGE, Area Manager. For all other BODs, Group Manager

Impact of an Related Statute Memorandum (RSM)

4.26.17.2.1.1 (12-11-2019) Impact of an Related Statute Memorandum (RSM) Form 13535, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Related Statute Memorandum (RSM), is used to document a good faith determination, based on the facts and circumstances, of whether a potential FBAR violation was in furtherance of a potential Title 26 violation. See IRM 4.26.17.2.1.2 for procedures to obtain an RSM. If the designated official determines, via the RSM, that a potential FBAR violation was not in furtherance of a potential Title 26 violation, Title 26 information cannot be used in the Title 31 FBAR examination. Any such use could subject the person(s) to penalties for violating the disclosure provisions protecting Title 26 return information. Therefore, the examiner is not authorized to initiate an FBAR examination. Additionally, the examiner should not ask questions or request documents that are relevant only to the FBAR examination. Examiners are prohibited from making inquiries of a filer, an authorized representative, or a third party as to whether the FBAR was required, filed, or records required by the FBAR instructions and 31 CFR 1010.420, Records to be Made and Retained by Persons Having Financial Interests in Foreign Financial Accounts, or records required by the FBAR instructions and CFR 1010.420 were retained. Internal inquiries, such as research of BSA Search, searches of other internal databases, or review of documents and information included in the case file are permitted. Even without an approved RSM, the examiner can ask questions or request documents that are relevant to the Title 26 examination even though they may also be relevant to an FBAR examination. For example, bank statements, which may be relevant to an FBAR examination, can be requested without an RSM, because these documents are relevant to the income tax examination. If the designated official determines, via the RSM, that a potential FBAR violation was in furtherance of a potential Title 26 violation (hereafter known as an "approved RSM" ). Title 26 information can be used in the Title 31 FBAR examination. The "approved RSM" authorizes the examiner to initiate an FBAR examination. Once approved, the RSM allows the sharing of all "return information" obtained in the examination, including that which was obtained prior to the RSM being secured. A subsequent determination that there was no Title 31 violation does not terminate the approved RSM or prevent the Title 26 examination from going forward or from using the information secured during either examination. The approved RSM also serves as the initial input document for the FBAR examination database maintained by CTR Operations. All the information required in the RSM will be used to track the FBAR examination and provide information to the Department of the Treasury and Congress in required annual reports.

Procedures to Obtain a Related Statute Memorandum (RSM)

4.26.17.2.1.2 (12-11-2019) Procedures to Obtain a Related Statute Memorandum (RSM) Upon identification of a potential FBAR violation in furtherance of a Title 26 violation that warrants further investigation, the examiner will prepare the Form 13535, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Related Statute Memorandum (RSM). A separate RSM is required for each year and each person or entity potentially required to file an FBAR, even if a joint tax return or joint FBAR was filed. Example: If years 2015 and 2016 are under audit, then an RSM is required for years 2015 and 2016. This RSM can be based however on information related to a year not under audit (such as 2014). The following tables list fields that are required to be completed on Form 13535: Always Required Date Group Manager Division Area Territory Examiner Group Examiner POD Case (filer) name SSN/EIN Type of person Street City State Zip Code Country Filing for calendar year Assessment Statute Expirations Date (ASED) [Case explanation section] Was/was not in furtherance of a Title 26 violation Manager signature Date Required, if Applicable Project Code ERCS Tracking Code POA [name] [POA] Street [POA] Street [POA] City [POA] State [POA] Zip Code The examiner uses the RSM to document the reasons the examiner believes the statutes (Title 31 and 26) are related. In the case explanation section, and on an attachment if needed, the examiner will: Specifically identify the potential FBAR and Title 26 violations. For purposes of securing an RSM, it is not necessary to establish with certainty that there was an FBAR or Title 26 violation or that the FBAR violation was in furtherance of the Title 26 violation to meet the related statute test. Title 26 violations should be singular: A good faith determination that there may be an FBAR violation in furtherance of a Title 26 violation is all that is required. Explain the relationship between the Title 31 violations and the Title 26 violations. "In furtherance of" means that there is a connection between the potential FBAR violation and the potential Title 26 violation. The potential FBAR violation need not occur in the same year as a potential Title 26 violation to be considered "in furtherance of" the Title 26 violation. Example: A U.S. person with a financial account in a foreign country may be required, under the BSA, to file an FBAR disclosing the existence of the foreign account. When the person fails to comply with the Title 31 FBAR filing requirement and fails to report interest income from the foreign financial account in violation of Title 26, this may indicate the FBAR noncompliance was in furtherance of a tax violation under Title 26. Explain how the foreign financial account(s), or the likelihood of such account(s), became known to the examiner. Detail all relevant information, including but not limited to, bank name(s) and location(s), bank account number(s), name on the account(s), the filer's role in the account(s), account balance(s). Identify whether any foreign income appears to be reported on the income tax return and if so, why it appears incomplete or inaccurate. Identify if Schedule B was filed with the income tax return (for individual filers) and if so, how the foreign account/asset questions were answered in Part III. The following table provides some examples of violations: FBAR Title 26 Failure to file Unreported income related to the unreported foreign financial account, such as investment income or pre-tax deposits Failure to file timely Erroneous or omitted information on Schedule B, Part III regarding foreign accounts and trusts Filed but omitted foreign financial accounts Failure to file timely or accurate international information returns, such as Form 3520, Form 3520-A, Form 5471, Form 8865, or Form 8938 Filed but materially misstated account information such as ownership or account balance Failed to accurately report account information The examiner will forward the RSM, with any relevant documents attached to the designated official. The designated official reviews the RSM and any attachments and determines whether a potential FBAR violation is in furtherance of a potential Title 26 violation. The designated official will check the applicable box and sign the determination portion of the RSM. Electronic signature of documents is acceptable. The designated official can decide based on the examiner's attestation in the RSM regarding the potential violations. Further, the designated official does not have to be certain that there was an FBAR violation and that the violation was made in furtherance of a Title 26 violation; a good faith determination is all that is required. The signed RSM and attachments are returned to the examiner.

Procedures Following the Related Statute Memorandum (RSM)

4.26.17.2.1.3 (12-11-2019) Procedures Following the Related Statute Memorandum (RSM) After receiving the signed Form 13535, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Related Statute Memorandum (RSM), the examiner will review the Form 13535 for the designated official's determination. If the designated official determined that the potential FBAR violation was not in furtherance of a potential violation of Title 26, the examiner places the RSM in the Title 26 case file. This terminates the examiner's FBAR responsibilities. The examiner will not conduct an FBAR examination. If the designated official determined that the potential FBAR violation was in furtherance of a potential Title 26 violation, any evidence acquired in the Title 26 examination can be used in the FBAR examination and the FBAR examination can begin. Within 3 business days of receipt of an approved RSM: All examiners must email the signed, approved RSM to CTR Operations using the contact information in Exhibit 4.26.17-2, and All SB/SE and LB&I examiners must request control of the FBAR case on ERCS. See IRM 4.26.17.2.3. Note: Under no circumstance should an approved RSM be secured and not submitted to CTR Operations. Similarly, under no circumstance should an approved RSM submitted to CTR Operations not be controlled on ERCS. The examiner will create a physical FBAR case file in accordance with IRM 4.26.17.2.4 and proceed with the FBAR examination. The original RSM and copy of the email submission to CTR Operations must be retained in the FBAR case file. Upon receipt of the approved RSM, CTR Operations will enter the RSM information into the FBAR database, establishing a record of the FBAR examination. In an FBAR examination that started from a Title 26 examination and used an RSM to establish the case in the FBAR database, the examiner will prepare Form 13536, Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Report (FBAR) Monitoring Document (FMD), and submit to CTR Operations only: With updates as they occur throughout the examination. (see IRM 4.26.17.3) With case closing information pursuant to IRM 4.26.17.4.

Starting an FBAR Examination Where No RSM is Required – SB/SE Specialty Examination, BSA Only

4.26.17.2.2 (09-04-2025) Starting an FBAR Examination Where No RSM is Required – SB/SE Specialty Examination, BSA Only Within IRS, only SB/SE Examination – Specialty, BSA has authority to conduct Title 31 examinations that do not originate from a Title 26 examination. As such, this section is applicable only to BSA. If the examiner is conducting an examination under the BSA, Form 13535, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Related Statute Memorandum (RSM), is not required to start an FBAR examination. This is because no information from a tax examination or other IRC 6103, Confidentiality and Disclosure of Returns and Return Information, protected source is involved. In accordance with IRM 4.26.6, Bank Secrecy Act Examiner Responsibilities for BSA Examinations, and IRM 4.10.5, Examination of Returns, Required Filing Checks, examiners should make appropriate inquiries in all BSA examinations to detect potential FBAR violations. Document these general inquiries in the BSA case file. Avoid action that may constitute an FBAR examination if an FBAR examination has not yet been initiated. Note: Without an RSM, the examiner is precluded from accessing Title 26 data, such as IDRS. If there appears to be no FBAR violation, the FBAR examination is not initiated and no separate FBAR case file is set up. Upon identification of a potential FBAR violation that warrants further investigation or within three business days of charging time to a newly assigned case from BSA Case Selection (CS), the examiner will prepare Form 13536, Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Report (FBAR) Monitoring Document (FMD), requesting to start the FBAR case. A separate FMD is required for each year and each person or entity potentially required to file an FBAR. The following fields are required to be completed on Form 13536 to start the FBAR examination when there is no RSM: Always Required Filing for Calendar Year Assessment Statute Expiration Date (ASED) Filer Name Street Address City State Zip/Postal Code Country Taxpayer Identification Number [Filer/POA] Telephone Contact Name [Contact] Number Division Compliance Area Territory Group Manager Examiner Date started [Group Manager (GM) completes] Required, if Applicable Project code Power of Attorney Name [POA] Street Address [POA] City [POA] State [POA] Zip/Postal Code [Owner] Name [Owner] Street Address [Owner] City [Owner] Zip/postal code [Owner] Country [Owner] Taxpayer Identification Number Optional Examiner Email Address Examiner Fax Number Prepare a memorandum explaining that the FMD is to be used by CTR Operations as an originating document, like an RSM, but that no RSM is prepared for this case because no Title 26 information is used. Submit the FMD and memo to the GM. It may be submitted via secure, encrypted email. The GM will review the FMD and memo for completeness and accuracy. If the GM identifies errors, desires more information or does not concur with the initiation of the FBAR examination, the GM will discuss this with the examiner. If no FBAR examination will be conducted, the examiner will document the decision in the regular BSA case file. If the GM concurs with establishment of the FBAR exam, the GM will complete the Date Started field, sign the form (anywhere), and return the approved FMD/memo to the examiner Electronic signatures are acceptable, and documents may be shared via secure, encrypted email. Within 3 business days of receipt of an approved FMD, the examiner must: Email the approved FMD and memorandum to CTR Operations and For related or spin-off examinations that did not originate in BSA CS, follow the steps in IRM 4.26.17.2.3.1 to obtain Examination Return Control System (ERCS) controls and CI clearance from BSA CS. For prior and subsequent year pickups, follow the steps in IRM 4.26.17.2.3.1 to obtain ERCS controls and CI clearance from BSA CS. The examiner will create a physical FBAR case file in accordance with IRM 4.26.17.2.4 and proceed with the FBAR examination. Note: FBAR case files cannot be included in the regular BSA case file. FBAR examinations are tracked on a database separate from all other Title 31 examinations. FBAR penalties are assessed by IRS and the separate FBAR case file is necessary to support the decision to assert penalties or issue a warning letter. Non-FBAR related BSA penalties are referred to FinCEN for assessment using procedures set forth in IRM 4.26.8, Special Procedures. The original approved FMD, memorandum, and a copy of the email submission to CTR Operations must be retained in the FBAR case file. Upon receipt of the approved FMD, CTR Operations will enter the FMD information into the FBAR database, establishing a record of the FBAR examination. Note: The examiner will update Form 13536 as needed throughout the examination, submitting to CTR Operations as updates occur (see IRM 4.26.17.3) and with case closing information pursuant to IRM 4.26.17.4.

Procedures to Control FBAR Examinations on ERCS – LB&I and SB/SE Only

4.26.17.2.3 (12-11-2019) Procedures to Control FBAR Examinations on ERCS – LB&I and SB/SE Only Because TE/GE does not use the Examination Returns Control System (ERCS), this section does not apply to TE/GE personnel. ERCS is the system used for controlling and monitoring FBAR examinations, including statutes, and charging direct examination time. FBAR information is not available on the Audit Information Management System (AIMS), commonly accessed via Integrated Data Retrieval System (IDRS). Examiners are required to establish FBAR examination ERCS controls for the same year and individual or entity for which an RSM or FMD was submitted to CTR Operations to establish a case on the FBAR database. Joint ERCS controls are not appropriate for FBAR cases. Every FBAR examination case controlled on ERCS must have a corresponding record in the FBAR database. Every open record in the FBAR database under the jurisdiction of SB/SE and LB&I Examination, including Technical Services, must be controlled on ERCS. For examiners that use Form 5345-D, Examination Request-ERCS (Examination Returns Control System) Users, to establish examination controls on ERCS, prepare it in accordance with IRM 4.26.17.2.3.1. Examiners in SB/SE Examination – Specialty, BSA refer to IRM 4.26.17.2.2. LB&I Issue Management System (IMS) users, use the following information in IMS case setup: Field Input Return Type FBAR MFT Y0 (Y-zero) Activity Code 545 SAIN For EOI groups: 999-22 FBAR For all other groups: 624-10 Other Penalties (includes FBAR) UIL 9999.99-01 FBAR Penalty All other examiners, follow the normal procedures for establishing a new case on ERCS, using applicable codes in accordance with IRM 4.26.17.2.3.2. A copy of the approved Form 5345-D or other ERCS control request document must be kept in the FBAR case file. Though rare, there may be situations where the Exam group must re-establish controls on ERCS for corrective action, such as to secure a statute extension, or when Appeals returns a case to the group. Refer to existing procedures for re-establishing penalty records on ERCS. Contact your local AIMS/ERCS analyst, or FBAR coordinator/analyst for further assistance.

Preparing ERCS Control Requests

4.26.17.2.3.1 (09-04-2025) Preparing ERCS Control Requests Complete Form 5345-D, Examination Request - Examination Returns Control System (ERCS), in accordance with the following information: Form 5345-D Field/Section Input Check 1 box only (upper-left of form) Control Penalty Investigation Taxpayer name, name control Only 1 individual or entity name Taxpayer address Self-explanatory PBC, SBC, EGC Self-explanatory Examiner's ERCS ID and Name Self-explanatory Taxpayer's TIN Only 1 individual or entity TIN MFT Y0 (Y-zero) Form Type FBAR Tax Period Each FBAR year being established for this TIN Activity Code 545 Source Code 99 Status Code 10 or 12, as appropriate Statute Date Normally six years from the FBAR due date, whether filed or not. Can be extended Tracking Code Same code as the Primary/Key Case Project Code Same code as the Primary/Key Related Return Y TEFTA Indicator N Do you want the original return? N Do you want labels? N Joint Committee N Foreign Control N Is case LB&I/CIC N Control PBC Leave blank Related return information section Primary Key Case information Reason for Request to control an FBAR examination Note: Activity Code 545 is used only for purposes of FBAR ERCS (MFT Y0) controls. Note: For guidance regarding the statute date, see IRM 4.26.17.3.1.1. The examiner will print or type his/her name in the appropriate box, sign and date Form 5345-D. Following local procedures, submit to the group manager as required by IRM 1.4.40.4.2.1, Requisition of Returns. The group manager (GM) will review Form 5345-D for completeness and accuracy, discuss errors or seek more information from the examiner, as needed. If approved, the GM will sign and date the form (anywhere). Electronic signatures are acceptable. The GM will submit the approved Form 5345-D as follows: For SB/SE Examination - Specialty BSA: email it to BSA Case Selection. For all other BODs: provide it to the administrative assistant for input into ERCS. Additional information regarding preparation and use of Form 5345-D can be found in IRM 4.4.23, Audit Information Management System (AIMS) - Validity and Consistency, Openings. SB/SE Examination – Specialty, BSA only: Once BSA CS has performed CI clearance and secured ERCS controls, they will return the Form 5345-D to the GM and examiner. Note: If CI clearance is not granted, BSA CS will inform the GM and examiner and that will terminate the examiner's FBAR responsibilities as the examiner cannot conduct the FBAR examination.

Establishing Controls in ERCS

4.26.17.2.3.2 (12-11-2019) Establishing Controls in ERCS Upon receipt of the GM-approved Form 5345-D, Examination Request-ERCS (Examination Returns Control System) Users, the group secretary will input the establishment request into ERCS using the following procedures. Note: If any errors or issues are noted during this process, contact the group manager or examiner, or the local AIMS/ERCS analyst. Step Action 1 From the ERCS main menu, select 1 – Request Tax Return. 2 Select 2 – Control Penalty Investigation. 3 Enter PBC/SBC/EGC and Employee ID before continuing. 4 Enter Taxpayer TIN, then the first Tax Period being picked up. 5 Enter Activity Code 545. Once entered, the MFT will automatically be set to Y0 (Y- zero) and the Source Code will be set to 99. 6 Enter Status Code, hit Enter and a default statute date will appear below the status code. Note: ERCS defaults to a six-year, June 30 statute date. 7 Compare the statute date in Statute Info to the input document, such as Form 5345-D. If the examiner did not provide a statute date on the input document, secure the statute date from the examiner. If the default statute date in Statute Info is incorrect, input the appropriate statute date. After the Statute Info field is correct in ERCS, hit Enter. 8 Input the Tracking Code and Project Code, as applicable, hit Enter, and then hit Y to accept the information. 9 Enter additional years to be established, if any. When entering additional years, ensure the correct ASED is input for each year. 10 Enter the Key TIN, Key MFT and Key TP (Tax Period) for the key case, if any. 11 Input the Name and Address of the taxpayer being established. Note: For penalty records, ERCS will not automatically "pull" the address from the taxpayer's key case (such as MFT 30); it must be input. 12 Managerial approval is required in ERCS to complete establishment of the record. 13 For each record (year) successfully established on ERCS, the group secretary will initial and date the Input on ERCS field in the Code/Data Area of Form 5345-D. 14 Upon completion, the group secretary will return Form 5345-D to the examiner for retention in the FBAR case file workpapers.

Re-Establishing ERCS Controls

4.26.17.2.3.3 (12-11-2019) Re-Establishing ERCS Controls Though rare, there may be situations where the group must re-establish controls on ERCS for corrective action, such as to secure a statute extension, or when Appeals returns a case to the group. Refer to existing procedures for re-establishing penalty records on ERCS. Contact your local AIMS/ERCS analyst, or BOD FBAR coordinator/analyst for further assistance.

FBAR Case File Assembly

4.26.17.2.4 (12-11-2019) FBAR Case File Assembly If an FBAR examination is initiated, the examiner will set up a separate FBAR case file, one for each individual/entity under FBAR exam. A separate case file is required for each spouse under FBAR examination. Multi-year FBAR examinations for the same individual/entity can use the same FBAR case file; a separate file is not required for each year.

FBAR Case File Documents

4.26.17.2.4.1 (09-04-2025) FBAR Case File Documents Each FBAR examination case file must include Form 4318-B, FBAR Examination Workpapers Index, and all items referenced therein to the extent applicable. The possibility of duplication of records in any related Title 26 case is recognized, but required due to different processing, assessment, and appeal procedures for the Title 26 case and the FBAR case. Use a red folder for cases with an ASED expiring within 180 days.

FBAR Documents Outside of Case Folder

4.26.17.2.4.3 (09-04-2025) FBAR Documents Outside of Case Folder Attach to the outside of case folder: Form 3198, Special Handling Notice for Examination Case Processing, prepared in accordance with this section. List all related Title 26 income tax and penalty cases in the "Related Taxpayers or Key Cases section." In the Forward to Technical Services section (even if the case is not shipping to Technical Services), check the Other box and enter: "FBAR" Type of closing per FMD, Project/tracking codes for the FBAR penalty case, and If electronic processing procedures are not required pursuant to IRM 4.26.17.4.6, the 14-digit BSA ID of each legally non-compliant FBAR being penalized (or identify as "BSA ID: not filed" ever) for each year in the package with only non-willful reporting violations. This information is required so Form 13448 can be prepared in accordance with IRM 4.26.17.4.3.5. If the case is electronically processed pursuant to IRM 4.26.17.4.6, in the Special Features section, check the Other Instructions box, and enter: "IGM: Emailed CTR Ops MM/DD/YY" where MM/DD/YY is the date the electronic processing package was submitted, and If closing with penalties, "FBAR penalty assessed MM/DD/YY" where MM/DD/YY is the date Form 13448, Penalty Assessment Certification Summary (Title 31 "FBAR" ), was signed.

FBAR Documents - CTR Operations

4.26.17.2.4.4 (12-11-2019) FBAR Documents - CTR Operations CTR Operations will include the following documents, as appropriate: Form 13448, Penalty Assessments Certification Summary (Title 31 "FBAR" ), (Internal document). Letter 3708, Notice and Demand for Payment of FBAR Penalty (copy). Notice 1330, Information on Making FBAR Penalty Payment by Check (copy). Receipt of check processing attached to original check. Filer's protest, if secured by CTR Operations. Any other correspondence with the filer or POA, Bureau of Fiscal Services, Appeals, Counsel, Department of Justice, as applicable. If the FBAR penalty is appealed, Appeals will include documents in accordance with IRM 8.11.6, Penalties Worked in Appeals, FBAR Penalties.

Working the FBAR Examination

4.26.17.3 (12-11-2019) Working the FBAR Examination The examiner conducting the FBAR examination will adhere to the following general guidelines: Set up workpapers on the FBAR issues in the FBAR file separate from the Title 26 file in accordance with IRM 4.26.17.2.4. If IRM 4.26.17.2.1 applies, ensure that a valid RSM is prepared, executed, and placed in the case file separately for each FBAR year before commencing the FBAR investigation. The proper use of time is an essential element of a quality examination. General guidelines for timely actions during each phase of the FBAR examination apply. See IRM 4.10.2, Pre-Contact Responsibilities. Because the nature of FBAR examinations involves securing offshore records, reasonable deviations from those timelines are allowed. Examiners must attempt to accommodate the valid needs of the filer(s) in providing records and scheduling appointments. However, examiners must not allow the filer(s) to delay or circumvent the FBAR examination. See IRM 4.10.2.9.4, Rescheduling the Initial Appointment. Charge all FBAR examination time to the appropriate FBAR examination case established on ERCS via MFT Y0. Do not charge time directly to activity code 545. Note: BSA examiners will record the MFT (Y0), name, TIN, and year(s) of the individual or entity subject to FBAR examination, and the time applied to each FBAR examination year on the ERCS-Form 4502. Follow local procedure to submit the ERCS- Form 4502 to the group secretary for input into ERCS. Each issue identified in IRM 4.26.16.3, FBAR Filing Criteria, should be addressed in determining if a U.S. person was required to file an FBAR, whether the FBAR was filed when required, and whether required records were kept. If facts have been derived from other cases (such as a related income tax examination), the examiner must make copies of the relevant documents for the FBAR examination file. As the examination progresses, document the audit steps taken. Contact an operating division FBAR coordinator or analyst for assistance in obtaining an FBAR examination leadsheet with template audit steps. Review and discuss FBAR issues with the filer along with other examination issues and make a decision concerning violations and penalties. Throughout the examination, as any of the information on the FMD changes, update the FMD and submit it to CTR Operations using the contact information in Exhibit 4.26.17-2. When preparing Form 13536, FBAR Monitoring Document (FMD), to submit updates to CTR Operations, the following fields are required to be completed: Always Required Filing for Calendar Year Filer name Street address City State Zip/Postal Code Country Taxpayer Identification Number [Filer/POA] Telephone Contact Name [Contact] Number Division Compliance Area Territory Group Manager Examiner Date Started When preparing Form 13536, FBAR Monitoring Document (FMD), to submit updates to CTR Operations, the following fields may be required to be completed: Required, if Applicable Assessment Statute Expiration Date (ASED) Project Code Power of Attorney Name [POA] Street address [POA] City [POA] State [POA] Zip/postal code [Owner] Name [Owner] Street address [Owner] City [Owner] State [Owner] Zip/postal code [Owner] Country [Owner] Taxpayer Identification Number When preparing Form 13536, FBAR Monitoring Document (FMD), to submit updates to CTR Operations, the following fields completion is optional: Optional Examiner Email Address Examiner Fax Number Local support personnel, for example FBAR coordinators and BSA Search Super Users, charge FBAR-related time to the specific examination case or to activity code 514, Specialist Consultations or Informal Assistance, as appropriate as outlined in IRM 4.7.5, Examination Returns Control System (ERCS), Group and Territory, and IRM 4.9.1, Examination Technical Time Reporting System, Outline of System. Note: Local support personnel are not assigned the case on ERCS and are not responsible for establishing the FBAR case on ERCS Utilize ERCS to monitor FBAR cases in accordance with ERCS. See IRM 4.7.1, Overview; IRM 4.7.3, Statute of Limitations; IRM 4.7.5, Group and Territory; IRM 4.7.6, Reports; IRM 4.7.7, Technical Services; and IRM 4.7.10, AIMS/ERCS Staff.

FBAR Statute of Limitations

4.26.17.3.1 (09-04-2025) FBAR Statute of Limitations Title 26 statutes of limitation do not apply to FBAR examinations, which are governed by Title 31 laws. Note: FBAR penalties do not arise under the internal revenue laws and therefore are not a tax that can be postponed pursuant to Treas. Reg. 301.7508A-1(c)(2), Acts Performed By The Government. Whether an approved Form 13535, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Related Statute Memorandum (RSM), has been secured is irrelevant to this issue. The statute of limitations on assessment of civil FBAR penalties is six years from the date of the violation. The statute of limitations to initiate litigation to collect the assessment of civil penalties is two years from the later of: The date of assessment, or The date any judgment becomes final in any criminal action under 31 USC 5322, Criminal Penalties. The statute of limitations on FBAR criminal penalties is five years from the date the offense is committed. To facilitate tracking of the statute of limitations, each FBAR year under examination requires a separate RSM and ERCS controls (if required). See IRM 4.26.17.2.1 and IRM 4.26.17.2.3.

FBAR Statute of Limitations on Assessments

4.26.17.3.1.1 (12-11-2019) FBAR Statute of Limitations on Assessments The period of limitation on assessment of FBAR civil penalties is found in 31 USC 5321(b)(1), Assessments. This section provides that the Secretary of the Treasury may assess a civil penalty under subsection (a) at any time before the end of the six-year period beginning on the date of the transaction with respect to which the penalty is assessed. For report filing violations purposes, the date of the transaction is the due date of the FBAR. The annual due date for filing FBARs required for foreign financial accounts maintained during calendar years 2015 and earlier, is June 30 of the following year. The annual due date for filing FBARs required for foreign financial accounts maintained during calendar years 2016 and later, is April 15th of the following year. This date change was mandated by the Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015, Public Law 114-41 (the Act). Specifically, section 2006(b)(11) of the Act changes the FBAR due date to April 15th. The Act also mandates a maximum six-month extension of the filing deadline. To implement the statute with minimal burden to the public and FinCEN, FinCEN will grant filers failing to meet the FBAR annual due date of April 15th an automatic extension to October 15th of each year. Accordingly, specific requests for this extension are not required. When the April or October due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date is delayed until the next business day. For FBAR reports due for calendar year 2016 and subsequent years, even if subparagraph (5) or (6) applies, examiners should treat April 15th as the date that the statute of limitations begins to run. However, if an assessment cannot be made before the April 15th statute date (such as six years after April 15th in the year that the FBAR should have been filed), contact Counsel for advice regarding whether an assessment can be made after the April 15th statute date. The date of the transaction for recordkeeping purposes is the date that the examiner first requests, via summons, the records required to be maintained under 31 CFR 1010.420, Records to be Made and Retained by Persons Having Financial Interests in Foreign Financial Accounts. Note: Records must be maintained for five years from the date that the FBAR was due. The examiner's first request for the required records must be made within this five-year period. The date that the examiner first requests the records starts the running of the six-year statute of limitations. Note: A Title 26 summons and a Title 31 summons are considered requests for the documents for the purposes of a recordkeeping violation. The date that the FBAR civil penalty is assessed is the date that the IRS designated official stamps the assessment certification form, Form 13448, Penalty Assessment Certification Summary (Title 31 "FBAR" ). The designated official is the department manager, CTR Operations or delegate.

Using ERCS to Track and Monitor FBAR Statutes (SB/SE & LB&I)

4.26.17.3.1.1.1 (12-11-2019) Using ERCS to Track and Monitor FBAR Statutes (SB/SE & LB&I) IRM 4.26.17.3 requires FBAR case monitoring via ERCS in accordance with various sections of IRM 4.7, Examination Returns Control System (ERCS). Additional information regarding statute monitoring is available in IRM 25.6.23, Statute of Limitations, Examination Process-Assessment Statute of Limitations Controls. Because of the unique nature of FBAR examinations, some of these procedures may not apply, or may require adaptation. For instance: Procedures involving AIMS do not apply to FBAR examination cases because MFT Y0 (Y-zero) penalty records are not on AIMS. Therefore, FBAR cases will not appear on AIMS tables 4.0 or 4.1, for example. Examiners will receive an ERCS-generated Form 895, Notice of Statute Expiration, as the FBAR assessment statute of limitations nears expiration. Form 895 is typically generated in ERCS when 210 days remain on the statute to ensure examiners receive it with at least 180 days remaining (See IRM 4.7.3.8, Form 895 Requirements). Examiners must complete, sign and return Form 895 to the group manager within 10 days. ERCS requires a response. Refer to Form 895 procedures in IRM 4.7.3, Examination Returns Control System (ERCS), Statute of Limitations, and IRM 25.6.23.5, Statute Controls in Examination, adapted for FBAR as appropriate. Additionally, IRM 25.6.23-2, ERCS Form 895, Notice of Statute Expiration Instructions, provides guidance to complete Form 895, adapted for FBAR cases as follows: Date Return Filed or Due (whichever is later) – The FBAR assessment statute of limitations begins to run on the FBAR due date, regardless of whether or when the FBAR was filed. As such, the FBAR filing date is irrelevant and there is no evaluation of which date is later. Record the FBAR due date in this field. Refer to IRM 4.26.17.3.1.1 for additional information regarding FBAR due dates. Statute Expiration Date – Ignore reference in the instructions to the FBAR filing date and AIMS, as explained above. In general, alpha codes do not apply to FBAR. Options to extend the FBAR assessment statute are securing a consent or a waiver, for example, in a plea agreement. Appropriate Blank to be Checked by Individual Charged with Return – This will typically be limited to Consent Secured, Taxpayer Refused to Execute Consent, or Other Irregular Assessment Period. In general, alpha codes do not apply to FBAR. Options to extend the FBAR assessment statute are securing a consent or a waiver, for example, in a plea agreement. To update the statute in ERCS, refer to procedures in IRM 4.7.3.5, Updating the ERCS Statute Date, IRM 25.6.23.5.9, ASED Updates on AIMS and ERCS, and IRM 25.6.23-3, Instructions for Updating the Statute on AIMS, adapted for FBARs as appropriate. For additional assistance, contact your BOD FBAR analyst.

FBAR Statute of Limitations on Commencing Civil Action

4.26.17.3.1.2 (12-11-2019) FBAR Statute of Limitations on Commencing Civil Action The period of limitation to commence a civil action to recover assessed FBAR penalties is found in 31 USC 5321(b)(2), Civil Actions. The Secretary may commence a civil action to recover a civil penalty assessed under subsection (a) at any time before the end of the two-year period beginning on the later of: The date the penalty was assessed, or The date any judgment becomes final in any criminal action under 31 USC 5322, Criminal Penalties, relating to the same transaction with respect to which the penalty is assessed. The date the FBAR penalty is assessed is the date that the IRS designated official stamps Form 13448, Penalty Assessment Certification Summary (Title 31 "FBAR" ). See IRM 4.26.17.4.4 for further details on the collection of FBAR penalties.

Extending the FBAR Statute of Limitations

4.26.17.3.1.3 (09-04-2025) Extending the FBAR Statute of Limitations Filers may voluntarily consent to extend the civil statute of limitation on FBAR penalty assessment such that assessment may be made on or before an agreed date. The statute of limitations on assessment of the FBAR penalties is found in 31 USC 5321(b)(1), Assessments. It is six years from the date of the transaction. In the case of filing violations, the date of the transaction is the due date for filing the FBAR. In the case of a recordkeeping violation, the date of the transaction is the date that the examiner first requests, by summons, the records required by 31 CFR 1010.420, Records to be Made and Retained by Persons Having Financial Interests in Foreign Financial Accounts. Note: Contact Counsel before soliciting a consent to extend the statute of limitations to commence civil action in 31 USC 5321(b)(2), Civil Actions. There is no statute of limitations on the collection of assessed FBAR penalties. The recommended language to be used for extending the statute of limitations on FBAR penalty assessment is shown in Exhibit 4.26.17-6. A consent to extend the statute of limitations for the Title 26 examination will not extend the statute of limitations on the FBAR examination. Follow IRM 25.6.22.2, Guidelines for Soliciting Extensions, with modifications for FBAR matters, such as: If the FBAR penalty assessment statute of limitations expires in less than 180 days, solicit an FBAR statute extension (Consent to Extend the Time to Assess Civil Penalties Provided by 31 USC 5321 for FBAR Violations) following paragraph (5). Generally, at least 10 calendar days from the date the consent is issued should be allowed for the filer to respond. Time frames, processes, and procedures impacted by the Appeals Judicial Approach and Culture (AJAC). Rules include, but are not limited to, the requirement of at least 365 days remaining before the expiration of the FBAR statutory period for assessment on the day the case file reaches Appeals and allowing an additional 30 days for the case file to reach Appeals once it has left exam's jurisdiction. For cases requiring Counsel review, there should be at least 90 days remaining on the FBAR statute of limitations when the FBAR case file is forwarded to Counsel. Counsel should review the case file within 45 days of receipt. FBAR penalty assessment case files should be sent to CTR Operations for processing with at least 30 days remaining on the statute to allow enough time to process the case and assess the penalty. If there is any delay in preparing a case file for closure from the exam group, the exam group manager must coordinate and obtain agreement from the CTR Operations group manager to send the case to CTR Operations for processing with less than 30 days remaining on the statute. For guidelines related to the FBAR statute of limitations matters in criminal referral cases and CI involvement in the civil FBAR statute of limitations protection actions, see IRM 4.26.17.5.3 for more details. Procedures to solicit a consent to extend the FBAR statute of limitations are as follows: Obtain managerial approval to solicit a consent. Prepare the appropriate consent form in duplicate, working with Counsel when warranted. Consent should be prepared separately for each US person for whom the examination is being conducted (even for spouses filing joint income tax returns). Verify correct filer identification number. Determine correct filer name for consent. Follow procedures for filer name in accordance with IRM 25.6.22.6, Preparation of Consents for Specific Entities and Taxes. Verify current address. Verify the FBAR year(s) to be extended. Verify the expiration date is correct. Mail or present consent in duplicate to the filer and the POA on file. Explain to the filer that Appeals will not conduct hearings pre-assessment on cases with less than 365 days remaining on the ASED when Appeals receives the case. These will only be heard post-assessment, so if the filer refuses to extend the assessment statute for years with a short statute, they will not be afforded the benefit of deferring the application of failure-to-pay penalties and interest on any year while in Appeals pre-assessment. Pre- assessment and post-assessment Appeals hearings differ substantially. See IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4. Update activity record as to actions taken. After receiving a properly executed consent form extending the FBAR assessment statute of limitations, the examiner should: Ensure the consent is properly date stamped by the receiving office. Ensure the consent is properly executed by the filer or representative. Ensure the filer and/or representative did not make any alterations, deletions, or impose any restrictions on the consent. A consent which was signed by a filer must not be unilaterally altered by a IRS employee. If the consent is signed by a POA, verify the representative is authorized to sign the consent. The POA authorization must be valid at the time the consent is signed. If the consent is signed by a corporate officer, verify the officer is empowered to sign the consent. Confirm the filer included the correct corporate name and the officer's title. If the consent is signed by a fiduciary, secure Form 56, Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship, and documents that verify a fiduciary relationship. Prepare Form 5348, AIMS/ERCS Update (Examination Update), to update the statute of limitations for the FBAR case (ASED) on ERCS. Submit consent package (for example, consent, Form 5348, FBAR, if available, POA document or other items bearing on validity of consent) to the group manager. Continue with appropriate compliance activity. If the filer does not extend the statute, then issue appropriate letters and/or reports pursuant to IRM 4.26.17.4 and prepare the case for closure. The group manager is to: Review the consent and necessary supporting documents to determine the validity of the consent. Sign and date the consent. Despite the current form revision lacking digital signature setup, designated officials may execute the FBAR consent digitally if desired, but that digital signature must meet the definition in IRM 4.26.17.1.7. The consent must be properly countersigned by the appropriate Commissioner's delegate per Delegation Order 25-13 (formerly DO 4- 35, Rev. 1) in IRM 1.2.2.15.13, Delegation Order 25-13 (Rev. 1), Enforcement of Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) Requirements. Ensure that when consents are being signed by an acting manager, that person is appropriately designated to do so. A copy of any written acting manager designation should be attached to the consent. Verify the accuracy of Form 5348, initial and date. Direct the ASED to be updated on ERCS. Return the consent package to the examiner. The examiner takes these final actions: Copy of consent, together with a copy of the updated FMD are forwarded to CTR Operations by email. See Exhibit 4.26.17-2 for contact information. Retain one of the original fully executed consents in the FBAR case file Send one of the original fully executed consents to the filer (with copy to POA, if applicable). If the filer only returns one original consent, a copy of the fully executed consent should be sent to the filer and the POA, if applicable, and the original should remain in the FBAR case file. Retain original FMD in the FBAR case file. If the filer refuses to execute the consent and indicates a desire to appeal the FBAR penalty, refer to IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4.2 for post-assessment appeal information.

FBAR Statute of Limitations on Criminal Offenses

4.26.17.3.1.4 (12-11-2019) FBAR Statute of Limitations on Criminal Offenses The statute of limitations on FBAR criminal penalties is five years from the date the offense is committed. The period of limitation for FBAR criminal penalties is the general criminal statute of limitations found at 18 USC 3282, Offenses Not Capital. This section provides that: except as otherwise expressly provided by law, no person shall be prosecuted, tried, or punished for any non-capital offense, unless the indictment is found, or the information is instituted within five years after such offense shall have been committed.

Power of Attorney in FBAR Examinations

4.26.17.3.2 (09-04-2025) Power of Attorney in FBAR Examinations A person may authorize a representative to represent them and to receive information with respect to the FBAR examination by using Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative. Line 3 on the Form 2848 should reflect FBAR Examination or Matters Relating to Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts. Note: Any power of attorney submitted to authorize a representative on behalf of an entity (such as a corporation, partnership, or trust), decedent, estate, incompetent/incapacitated person, or minor, is only valid if the person authorizing the power of attorney on behalf of the entity, decedent, estate incompetent/incapacitated person or minor had authority to do so. For deceased individuals, estates, incompetent/incapacitated persons and minors, Form 56, Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship, must include wording covering the FBAR examination. Form 56 by itself is not sufficient to establish fiduciary authority. Review Counsel's Authority to Act State Law Guide to identify requirements for valid fiduciary authority for decedents, estates, incompetent/incapacitated persons and minors. Legal requirements and necessary documentation vary by state. Review of this guide and discussion with FBAR Counsel is mandatory to ensure valid fiduciary authority exists and sufficient evidence of that authority has been provided for the FBAR case file. As an alternative to Form 2848, a general power of attorney valid under state law may be used. Power of attorney is a document that evidences the creation of a relationship between two people who are designated as the principal and the agent. The principal designates the agent in the document, and the agent is authorized to act on the principal's behalf -- to stand in the shoes of the principal -- for whatever business the power of attorney permits. The examiner should not draft a general power of attorney. Any general power of attorney must be provided by the filer. The power of attorney must state that it is for the limited purpose of representing the filer during the FBAR examination, name all representatives, and cover the same topics as Form 2848 (for example, if communications need to be made in duplicate). Regardless of the type of power of attorney, the original should be retained in the FBAR examination file. The FMD should always be updated with POA information and submitted to CTR Operations. See Exhibit 4.26.17-2 for contact information.

FBAR Examination - Initial Contact

4.26.17.3.3 (09-04-2025) FBAR Examination - Initial Contact Prepare and mail Letter 6639, FBAR Initial Contact, to the filer's last known address to notify them an FBAR examination has started. Document issuance in the Examiner's Activity Record. See IRM 4.26.17.3.3.1 for preparation instructions. For FBAR examinations, unless clear and concise notification of a different address has been provided, last known address is the case-built address ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ For FBAR examinations with an approved Related Statute Memorandum (RSM) compare the case-built address to the Master File address. Where a disagreement between the case-built address and the Master File address is present, last known address is the Master File address, unless clear and concise notification of a different address has been provided. For purposes of meeting last known address requirements, information provided by a third-party other than the United States Postal Service, such as a payor or another government agency, is not clear and concise notification of a different address. If Letter 6639 is not returned as undeliverable and there is no response by the due date, attempt to contact the filer by alternative means, ensuring all steps taken are documented. Examples of alternative means include: Resend Letter 6639 to the case-built address using certified mail procedures (registered mail procedures if the address is international). Research Accurint (or other approved data collection service) to identify other current addresses to send Letter 6639. If a valid phone number is identified, contact the filer via phone to obtain current mailing address and hold the initial conversation discussed in IRM 4.26.17.3.3. Issue Form 4759, Address Information Request - Postal Tracers, for all possible current addresses. Note: Written notice of examination should be sent prior to phone contact. If Letter 6639 is returned undeliverable, the examiner will take the following steps: If the returned mail has an affixed USPS yellow label, the examiner will follow the procedures in IRM 1.22.5.13.3(1), Handling Undeliverable Mail, ensuring no Title 26 protected records (for example IDRS information or income tax filings) are reviewed without a related statute memorandum in place. For FBAR examinations "update the taxpayer's mailing address" referenced in IRM 1.22.5.13.3(1) is referring to only updating the FBAR case file address used for FBAR correspondence. Attempt to determine a deliverable address for the filer using alternative means described in IRM 4.26.17.3.3. Review BSA Portal (formerly FinCEN Query) data to determine if there is a third- party contact to contact for a current address. Ensure all steps taken are documented in the FBAR case file. If through examination a deliverable address is verified and the filer continues to fail to respond to Letter 6639, prepare and mail Letter 6640, FBAR Pre-Scheduled Appointment, to the verified address with Form 4564, Information Document Request. See IRM 4.26.17.3.3.2 for Letter 6640 preparation instructions. See IRM 4.26.17.3.4.1 on Form 4564 preparation. Document issuance of Letter 6640 with Form 4564 in the Examiner's Activity Record. If the filer cannot be located or if a deliverable address is verified but the filer continues to fail to respond to Letter 6639 and Letter 6640, contact your operating division FBAR coordinator for guidance on case-specific next steps, engaging FBAR Counsel as appropriate. Refer to Exhibit 4.26.17-3 for more information. If an initial contact discussion is held with the filer, ensure the following topics are discussed: Explain FBAR examination procedures (interview will be held, records will be requested and reviewed, written determinations will be provided, etc.). Confirm the filer's contact information (including phone number). Inform the filer that written confirmation of the appointment scheduled will be sent to them. Communicate to the filer that foreign financial statements are to be submitted prior to the appointment and their options for submission. Note: If the filer needs extended time to obtain the required statements, the examiner may consider that when setting the initial appointment, where reasonable. Answer any initial questions the filer may have regarding the examination. After scheduling an FBAR examination appointment with the filer or a representative, prepare and mail Letter 6641, FBAR Appointment Confirmation, to provide written confirmation to the filer and representative (if appropriate) of the scheduled appointment. See IRM 4.26.17.3.3.3 for Letter 6641 preparation instructions. Form 4564 must be prepared and included with Letter 6641. See IRM 4.26.17.3.4.1 for more information.

Letter 6639

4.26.17.3.3.1 (09-04-2025) Letter 6639 Letter 6639, FBAR Initial Contact, is the initial contact letter issued to notify the filer that an FBAR examination has started. Examiners will prepare Letter 6639 as follows: Update the operating division/program name and respective address. Update the filer name and address section. Complete the "For your reference" section with audit specific information and examiner contact information. Complete the date to respond by in the "What you need to do" section. Allow 14 calendar days to respond unless a group manager approves a deviation. Document any such deviation in the Form 9984, Examiner's Activity Record. Update the name and title to that of the issuing examiner. Sign the letter before issuance. Ensure Pub 4261, Do You Have a Foreign Financial Account?, is enclosed with Letter 6639. Ensure a copy of the mailed Letter 6639 is maintained in the FBAR case file. In the instance of multiple issuances of Letter 6639, all versions must be maintained in the FBAR case file See IRM 4.26.17.3.3 for complete initial contact procedures.

Letter 6640

4.26.17.3.3.2 (09-04-2025) Letter 6640 Letter 6640, FBAR Pre-Scheduled Appointment, is issued when an address has been verified as deliverable but no response to Letter 6639, FBAR Initial Contact, has been received. Examiners will prepare Letter 6640 as follows: Update the operating division/program name and respective address. Update the filer name and address section. Complete the "For your reference" section with audit specific information and examiner contact information. Complete the date Letter 6639 was issued in the opening paragraph. Complete the appointment information under the "What you need to know" section. Complete the calendar years under the "What you need to provide" section. Update the name and title to that of the issuing examiner. Sign the letter before issuance. Enclose Form 4564, Information Document Request, prepared per IRM 4.26.17.3.4.1. Ensure a copy of the mailed Letter 6640 is maintained in the FBAR case file. See IRM 4.26.17.3.3 for complete initial contact procedures.

Letter 6641

4.26.17.3.3.3 (09-04-2025) Letter 6641 Letter 6641, FBAR Appointment Confirmation, is issued when an FBAR appointment has been scheduled. Examiners will prepare Letter 6641 as follows: Update the operating division/program name and respective address. Update the filer name and address section. Complete the "For your reference" section with audit specific information and examiner contact information. Complete the appointment information under the "Appointment information" section. Complete the calendar years under the "Appointment information" section. Update the name and title to that of the issuing examiner. Sign the letter before issuance. Enclose Form 4564, Information Document Request, prepared per IRM 4.26.17.3.4.1. Ensure a copy of the mailed Letter 6641 is maintained in the FBAR case file. See IRM 4.26.17.3.3 for complete initial contact procedures.

FBAR Examination - Requesting Records

4.26.17.3.4 (12-11-2019) FBAR Examination - Requesting Records The following subsections discuss information document requests, formal document requests, summonses, and using BSA Search in FBAR examinations.

Information Document Requests

4.26.17.3.4.1 (09-04-2025) Information Document Requests The examiner should request records necessary to document ownership and type of authority over foreign accounts, account transactions, aggregate and maximum balances and facts regarding willfulness. The Form 4564, Information Document Request (IDR), for FBAR records should be issued either: by registered or certified mail, with return receipt requested, or in person, by having the filer initial and date the IDR to confirm receipt. The examiner should document the activity record as to the date the filer received the IDR. Request in writing, via an IDR, all relevant documents needed to determine compliance with the FBAR filing and recordkeeping requirements. Prepare an IDR after considering the issues that need to be developed. Request documents that are relevant to the issues in the case, as well as documents that the filer is required to maintain with respect to their foreign financial accounts. See IRM 4.26.16.4, FBAR Recordkeeping. Avoid asking for irrelevant information by drafting the IDR precisely. Indicate due dates for information to be provided and options for submission. FBAR examinations require that foreign financial account statements be requested for, at a minimum, the calendar year(s) under examination. Note: In some cases, it can be appropriate to request statements beyond the calendar year(s) under examination, such as if the facts and circumstances deem them relevant to the exam or to establish a violation date balance if indicators of willfulness are present. See IRM 4.26.16.5.5.3, Penalty for Willful FBAR Violations - Calculation. Letter 6640, FBAR Pre-Scheduled Appointment, and Letter 6641, FBAR Appointment Confirmation, request that the filer provide foreign financial account statements prior to the initial appointment. The initial IDR prepared by examiners must also make the request by including the due date for providing the foreign financial account statements, the due date for the remaining requested documentation, and clarify how the requested information can be provided.

Formal Document Requests

4.26.17.3.4.2 (12-11-2019) Formal Document Requests If an approved RSM has been secured by the examiner, any records secured via a Formal Document Request (FDR) under IRC 982, Admissibility of Documentation Maintained in Foreign Countries, can be used in an FBAR investigation because if the statutes are related in a case, Title 31 is considered "tax administration" under the "related statute" portion of the definition of tax administration in IRC 6103(b)(4)(A)(i), and the IRS may access return information in furtherance of its Title 31 FBAR investigation. (IRC 6103(h)(1), Department of the Treasury) Under IRC 982(a), General Rule, when a taxpayer fails to substantially comply with any FDR within 90 days, the IRS may file a motion in any civil court proceeding (in which the tax treatment of the examined item is an issue) for the court to prohibit the introduction (by the taxpayer) of any foreign-based documents covered by the FDR request in Title 26 examinations. This provision does not apply to Title 31 examinations.

Summonses

4.26.17.3.4.3 (12-11-2019) Summonses If records requested via a Form 4564, Information Document Request (IDR), are not provided, the examiner should use a summons to obtain the records. In preparing a summons, the examiner may only request items requested on prior IDRs but must exclude any records already produced in response to those IDRs and rephrase any questions to a description of records that may be responsive to the unanswered questions. The date the summons is issued fixes the date on which account balances are used to compute recordkeeping violation statutory penalty maximums. Examiners must use a BSA summons (FinCEN Form 113) if there is no approved RSM and the information will not be used in a Title 26 examination. Summons authority, completion, issuance, and special disclosure rules for BSA summons are covered in IRM 4.26.17.5.2. A Title 26 summons, Form 2039, Summons, may be used if there is an approved RSM and the information requested can be used in a Title 26 examination. See Exhibit 4.26.17-4 for the language to be added to the Title 26 summons with respect to the records required to be kept under 31 CFR 1010.420, Records to be Made and Retained by Persons Having Financial Interests in Foreign Financial Accounts.

BSA Search

4.26.17.3.4.4 (09-04-2025) BSA Search BSA Search is a tool designed to improve authorized users' ability to access and analyze FinCEN data including FBAR records. Refer to IRM 4.26.4, BSA Search, for general considerations. Obtaining FinCEN Data via Gatekeeper: The following procedures must be followed when requesting General (Non-SAR) FinCEN data, such as CTR, FBAR, Form 8300 and other similar forms. The examiner will complete the Form 10509, BSA Search Request, and forward it via encrypted email to their manager The manager will digitally approve the form and send it to their gatekeeper. The gatekeeper will access the BSA data and keep the approved Form 10509 for six years. BSA Search users must be careful not to disclose sensitive information to BSA Portal Help Desk staff. Do not seek help in conducting specific queries from the BSA Search Help Desk. Access to BSA Search information is subject to UNAX guidelines and must only be made regarding specific and assigned tax administration matters. ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ For additional information on disclosure of BSA Search information, including SARs, refer to IRM 4.26.14, Disclosure.

FBAR Examination - Interview

4.26.17.3.5 (12-11-2019) FBAR Examination - Interview See IRM 4.10.2.9, Scheduling the Appointment: Overview, for general guidelines on scheduling appointments with filers. Adjust the procedures accordingly to meet the FBAR exam needs. The third-party notification requirements set forth in IRC 7602(c), Notice of Contact of Third Parties, do not apply in FBAR cases, unless the examiner obtains information in the FBAR case that the examiner intends to use in the Title 26 case. In such cases, it would be a best practice for the examiner to comply with the requirements of IRC 7602(c), IRM 4.11.57, Third Party Contacts, and IRM 25.27.1, Third Party Contact Program. Otherwise, the examiner should follow third-party contact procedures in IRM 4.26.6.5.3.8, Lack of Records. Examiner should interview the filer and, as needed, third parties. If the designated official does not approve the RSM, the examiner will not ask interview questions or request documents related to FBAR matters in a non-BSA examination. See IRM 4.26.17.2.1.1 for more information. However, if the examiner is conducting an examination under the BSA, an RSM is not needed to examine for FBAR compliance. See IRM 4.26.17.2.2 for more details. ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ 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see IRM 4.10.3.4, Interviews: Authority & Purpose, IRM 4.10.3.4.5, Interview Techniques, IRM 4.10.7.3.2, Oral Testimony, and Form 2311, Affidavit.

Penalty Application

4.26.17.3.6 (12-11-2019) Penalty Application The examiner should follow guidelines in IRM 4.26.16, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR), to arrive at the final FBAR penalty determination. Fair and equitable outcome of the FBAR exam requires that the examiner: Considers whether the issuance of a warning letter is appropriate given the facts and circumstances of the case, Determines, based on the available facts, if the filer's failure to comply with the FBAR filing requirement was willful or non-willful, Ensures that the penalty determinations are adequately supported, and penalties are asserted in a fair and consistent manner, Uses discretion and considers all the available facts and circumstances of the case and coordinates the findings with the operating division FBAR Coordinator and Counsel, as applicable, Adheres to certain specific program and project guidelines regarding the assertion of FBAR Penalties, as applicable, and Coordinates with a Fraud Enforcement Advisor (FEA), if the case warrants referral for possible criminal investigation. See IRM 4.26.17.5.3 for additional information regarding FEA involvement in FBAR examinations.

Preparing Form 13449

4.26.17.3.7 (09-04-2025) Preparing Form 13449 Form 13449, Agreement to Assessment and Collection of Penalties Under 31 U.S.C. 5321(a)(5) and 5321(a)(6), is shown as an agreement, and also functions as the examiner's report of FBAR violations. It is the basis for the FBAR penalty assessment(s). When Form 13449 is required, it must be prepared in accordance with this section. Note: This section incorporates specific instructions to prepare Form 13449 for only non-willful reporting violations, consistent with IRM 4.26.16, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR), as updated for the Supreme Court's decision in Bittner v. United States (143 S.Ct. 713 (2023)) See IRM 4.26.17.3.8 for additional coordination that may be required and could impact Form 13449 preparation.

General Preparation of Form 13449

4.26.17.3.7.1 (09-04-2025) General Preparation of Form 13449 When preparing Form 13449, Agreement to Assessment and Collection of Penalties Under 31 U.S.C. 5321(a)(5) and 5321(a)(6): For only non-willful reporting violations, prepare one form per calendar year. Do not list multiple years on a single Form 13449 when there are only non-willful reporting violations. For all other violation type(s), preparing one form per calendar year is highly recommended for greater clarity, readability, and processing ease than a single Form 13449 listing multiple years generally allows. The following table details how to complete general information on Form 13449: Field Input Name of Account Holder Only 1 individual or entity name Social security number (SSN) or employer identification number (EIN) Only 1 individual SSN or entity EIN Address of account holder Street address, city, state, and zip code TOTAL proposed penalty Autofills from page 2 Your signature Leave blank, for US Person's action Date Signed Leave blank, for US Person's action Representative's signature Leave blank, for US Person's action Date Signed Leave blank, for US Person's action Name of entity Leave blank, for US Person's action Signature of authorized officer Leave blank, for US Person's action Title Leave blank, for US Person's action Date signed Leave blank, for US Person's action Signature of authorized officer Leave blank, for US Person's action Title Leave blank, for US Person's action Date (mmddyyyy) Leave blank, for US Person's action Name of examiner Examiner or Appeals Officer's name Employee ID number Examiner or Appeals Officer's employee identification number Date (mmddyyyy) Date form is completed by examiner or Appeals Officer Office of examiner Examiner or Appeals Officer's office location Name of supervisor Supervisor's name Employee ID number Supervisor's employee identification number Date signed Date form is signed by supervisor Office of supervisor Supervisor's office location Name of account holder Autofills from page 1 Account holder ID Autofills from page 1 TOTAL proposed penalty (Enter here and on Page 1 of 2) When Form 13449 is only non-willful reporting violations: manually enter the total penalty proposed for the year and select "Yes" to the warning that pops up about modifying the field. When Form 13449 is for any other violation type, do not manually enter an amount or modify this field. The form auto-populates the mathematical sum of all "Amount of penalty" fields in the Foreign Account Penalty Information section. Despite the current form revision lacking digital signature setup, when issuing Form 13449, employees and managers may sign the form digitally if desired, but that digital signature must meet the definition in IRM 4.26.17.1.7.

Account Information on Form 13449

4.26.17.3.7.2 (09-04-2025) Account Information on Form 13449 List on Form 13449, Agreement to Assessment and Collection of Penalties Under 31 U.S.C. 5321(a)(5) and 5321(a)(6), each unreported or improperly reported foreign account. The following table details how to record each account's information on Form 13449 in each "Foreign Account [Number]" section: Field Input Calendar Year The year for which the violation is being penalized. Only 1 calendar year per Form 13449. Foreign Bank, Institution, or Agent(s) The unreported or improperly reported item. Do not enter generic words, such as "various" , "multiple" , or "see attached." Proposed penalty per "Definition of Penalty Statutes" Check the appropriate number box Maximum value of account The maximum value of the account during the year listed above Foreign account number(s) The account number. Do not enter generic words, such as "various" , "multiple" , or "see attached." Amount of penalty When Form 13449 is for only non-willful reporting violations, leave this field blank and do not enter $0.00. When Form 13449 is for any other violation type, enter the penalty amount.

Required Coordination Due to Court Decisions

4.26.17.3.8 (09-04-2025) Required Coordination Due to Court Decisions To ensure consistency, special coordination is required in certain situations as described in this section. This coordination is in addition to all other coordination, reviews and concurrences required in IRM 4.26.16 and IRM 4.26.17. If, for a single year: A penalty for a non-willful reporting violation is proposed, and a penalty for any other type of violation is proposed, then HQ FBAR Counsel (Litigation & Advisory) coordination and multiple Form 13449, Agreement to Assessment and Collection of Penalties Under 31 USC 5321(a)(5) and 5321(a)(6), are required. If a request for FBAR abatement, refund or audit reconsideration is received and is based, explicitly or implicitly, on the Supreme Court decision in Bittner v United States (143 S.Ct. 713 (2023)), contact HQ FBAR Counsel (Litigation & Advisory) for case-specific guidance. For any FBAR case involving non-willful reporting violations: 1) open in Exam, 2) where Form 13449 has been prepared (whether issued or not), and 3) where Form 13449 either: a) contains penalties for non-willful reporting violations that exceed the $10,000 statutory maximum penalty (adjusted for inflation) for a given calendar year; or b) contains penalties for non-willful reporting violations that are allocated on a per-account basis to more than one account for a given calendar year, contact your Business Operating Division FBAR Coordinator and HQ FBAR Counsel (Litigation & Advisory) for case-specific guidance.

Closing the FBAR Case

4.26.17.4 (12-11-2019) Closing the FBAR Case General closing procedures apply to all FBAR examinations. Specific procedures apply depending on the type of closure. These are detailed below. In all FBAR cases, the examiner will perform the following general closing procedures: Prepare a written summary of the examination results. This may be a summary memorandum, Form 886-A, Explanation of Items, or FBAR Leadsheet. The determination should be fully supported and include references to the work papers. At a minimum, it should contain the following sections: Facts & History, Law, Analysis/Government's Position, Reasonable Cause, Penalty Computation, Mitigation (if penalties proposed are for willful violations), Taxpayer's Position, and Conclusion. Supporting documents should be clearly defined as attachments. The summary should show all FBAR years opened for examination and the determination reached for each year. If several years are opened but a penalty is asserted only with respect to one year, the summary should provide an explanation. If the FBAR Leadsheet is used, the audit steps should be removed before being sent to the filer and representative. Submit the written summary to an operating division FBAR coordinator for review to ensure that the proposed position is appropriate and fair, considering all facts and circumstances of the case and other similarly situated filers. After review, the FBAR coordinator will provide a written concurrence. Obtain concurrence from FBAR Counsel for any willful FBAR penalty proposed. Willful FBAR penalty cases are required to be reviewed by FBAR Counsel to determine the sustainability of the proposed penalty. See IRM 4.26.17.4.3.1. Secure all required concurrences (group manager, FBAR coordinator and, if applicable, FBAR Counsel) prior to discussing the examiner's proposed position with the person in violation of the FBAR requirements or their authorized Power of Attorney. Indicate the applicable disposition on Form 13536, Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Report (FBAR) Monitoring Document (FMD), for each year. The examiner does not submit this FMD to CTR Operations. Keep it in the case file for the group manager to complete and submit to CTR Operations in accordance with the procedures in paragraph 3 below. Note: FMD is also used as an opening document in certain cases (see IRM 4.26.17.2.2) and as an update document in all cases (see IRM 4.26.17.3. Assemble the case file for closure in accordance with IRM 4.26.17.2.4.4. Close the case file to the group manager. When preparing Form 13536 to close the case, the following fields are required to be completed: Always Required Filing for Calendar Year Filer name Street address City State Zip/Postal Code Country Taxpayer Identification Number [Filer/POA] Telephone Contact Name [Contact] Number Division Compliance Area Territory Group Manager Examiner Date started When preparing Form 13536 to close the case, the following fields are may be required to be completed: Required, if Applicable Project code Power of Attorney name [POA] Street address [POA] City [POA] State [POA] Zip/Postal Code [Owner] Name [Owner] Street address [Owner] City [Owner] State [Owner] Zip/postal code [Owner] Country [Owner] Taxpayer Identification Number Date Closed from Group [GM completes] Time on Case Disposition When preparing Form 13536 to close the case, the following fields are optional: Optional Examiner Email address Examiner Fax Number In all FBAR cases, the group manager will: Review the FBAR case file for both technical and procedural accuracy and update the activity record. Make the final determination regarding the assertion or non-assertion of the FBAR penalty. In all FBAR cases, CTR Operations will: Enter the FMD information into the FBAR database. Place the case file in the FBAR historic files. The timing of this step may vary depending on other factors in the case, such as payments, collection referrals or appeals. Additional procedures vary depending on the type of closure. Each of these specific procedures are covered in detail below: IRM 4.26.17.4.1, Closing the FBAR Case – No Action IRM 4.26.17.4.2, Closing the FBAR Case – Warning Letter IRM 4.26.17.4.3, Closing the FBAR Case with Penalties IRM 4.26.17.4.3.2, Closing the FBAR Case with Penalties - Agreed IRM 4.26.17.4.3.3, Closing the FBAR Case Unagreed IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4, Closing the FBAR Case Appealed IRM 4.26.17.5.3.5, Accepted Criminal FBAR Referrals IRM 4.26.17.4.6, Electronic Processing when Ready to Close

Closing the FBAR Case - No Action

4.26.17.4.1 (12-11-2019) Closing the FBAR Case - No Action The examination is closed "No Action" when no FBAR violation is found or the FBAR examination will not be continued. Follow all general closing procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4. Written notification of the closure should not be provided to the subject of the FBAR examination. When the No Action FBAR case is ready to close from Exam, the exam group and CTR Operations must complete electronic processing procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4.6. When all procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4.6 are completed and the case is ready to ship, the group manager will close the No Action FBAR case to CTR Operations using Form 3210, Document Transmittal, in accordance with Exhibit 4.26.17-2, and will follow IRM 4.26.17.4.5 to update the FBAR controls in ERCS to status code 90.

Closing the FBAR Case - Warning Letter

4.26.17.4.2 (12-11-2019) Closing the FBAR Case - Warning Letter The examiner may determine that there was a violation but that penalties are not warranted, after considering the facts and circumstances of the case. When no penalty is being asserted, the examiner will issue Letter 3800, Warning for Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) Apparent Violations, with group manager and operating division FBAR coordinator concurrence. Letter 3800 should not be issued in years where: The examiner asserts a single willful penalty in one year to cover violations in multiple years, or A risk-based decision is made to stop the examination in one year and the examination will continue in other years. Consult the operating division FBAR coordinator for assistance. If the determination is made to issue Letter 3800 in addition to following all general procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4, the examiner will prepare Letter 3800. Complete the violation information and recommendations. Recommendations may include: timely filing accurate FBARs and/or maintaining all required records. Include relevant authoritative citations. The group manager signs Letter 3800, and despite the current letter revision lacking digital signature setup, may do so with a digital signature (as defined in IRM 4.26.17.1.7. Issue Letter 3800 to the person in violation of the FBAR requirements and attach the approved written summary. See IRM 4.26.17.4. Retain a copy of Letter 3800 and the written summary in the file. Letter 3800 gives the person in violation of the FBAR requirements 30 days to respond. The issuance of Letter 3800 is not a case closing action by itself but leads to the filer admitting and/or correcting errors. Delinquent or incorrect FBARs. If filed as instructed by Letter 3800, the examiner secures confirmation of e-filing via the filer or BSA Search. If accepted as filed, proceed to closing the case with no penalty. If not accepted as filed, additional examination work may be necessary. If delinquent or corrected FBARs are not filed or are inaccurate, consider penalties for continued failure to file accurate FBARs. Additional information may be found in IRM 4.26.17.5.1. Agreed/Unagreed. If agreement to the violations listed in Letter 3800 is received prior to the 30-day deadline, proceed with closing. Agreement may be verbal or in writing and should be documented in the Examination Activity Record. If written disagreement is provided by the deadline, consider this in the examination. If no written disagreement is provided by the deadline, consult with the group manager as to the proper disposition. Close the case following procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4. When the Warning Letter FBAR case is ready to close from Exam, the exam group and CTR Operations must complete electronic processing procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4.6. When all procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4.6 are completed and the case is ready to ship, the group manager will close the Warning Letter FBAR case to CTR Operations using Form 3210, Document Transmittal, in accordance with Exhibit 4.26.17-2, and will follow IRM 4.26.17.4.5 to update the FBAR controls in ERCS to status code 90.

Closing the FBAR Case with Penalties

4.26.17.4.3 (12-11-2019) Closing the FBAR Case with Penalties If the examiner, after discussion with the group manager, determines that it is appropriate to assert an FBAR penalty and that a referral to Criminal Investigation is not appropriate or has been declined, the examiner will compute penalties in accordance with the FBAR penalty guidelines. See IRM 4.26.16.5, FBAR Penalties, for the FBAR penalty computation rules and, for willful violations, penalty mitigation guidelines. FBAR Counsel review is required in willful FBAR violation penalty cases. This review occurs after the group manager, operating division FBAR coordinator, and if applicable, Fraud Technical Advisor, have reviewed and concurred with the assertion of the willful violation penalty. See IRM 4.26.17.4.3.1. An FBAR penalty can be eligible for Fast Track Settlement only if it has not been assessed. See IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4.1 for more information. In all FBAR cases proposing penalties, the examiner will follow all general closing procedures found in IRM 4.26.17.4 and issue the FBAR report package which includes: Letter 3709, FBAR 30 Day Letter, signed by the group manager. Letter 3709 must be issued unless the filer wishes to pursue Fast Track Settlement. See paragraphs 6 and 7 in this subsection for important information regarding the Letter 3709 preparation. Form 13449, Agreement to Assessment and Collection of Penalties Under 31 U.S.C. 5321(a)(5) and 5321(a)(6), prepared in accordance with IRM 4.26.17.3.7. Notice 1330, Information on Making FBAR Penalty Payment by Check. This notice advises that the payment will be recorded electronically and that the person submitting payment will not receive a copy of the cancelled check. The written summary explaining violations, proposed penalties, and the calculation of penalties. The examiner should solicit payment upon issuance of the FBAR report package. See IRM 4.26.17.4.4. If insufficient time remains on the assessment statute of limitations to allow a 30-day response date for Letter 3709, the examiner should set a shorter response date that will still allow sufficient time for case closing procedures, processing and penalty assessment. Contact the FBAR coordinator for assistance in determining the appropriate response date. If insufficient time remains on the assessment statute of limitations to allow a pre- assessment appeal hearing, the following statements should be included with Letter 3709: "As noted in the accompanying Form 13449 this office has determined that one or more violations have occurred with respect to FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBARs), for foreign financial accounts maintained during XXXX year. Too little time remains to provide an Appeals hearing before the expiration of the statute of limitations for assessing the proposed penalty; however, you may request a post-assessment hearing with our Appeals office once you receive Letter 3708, Notice and Demand for Payment of FBAR Penalty. Letter 3708 will be mailed to you shortly. Please retain the enclosed Letter 3709 for reference if you plan to request a post- assessment hearing. You should follow the same procedures for requesting a post- assessment hearing as those listed in the enclosed Letter 3709 for pre-assessment hearings." If the proposed penalty is greater than $100,000, the following should also be included in the explanation: "Post-assessed FBAR cases in excess of $100,000 cannot be compromised by Appeals without approval of Department of Justice (DOJ). See 31 USC 3711(a)(2), Collection and Compromise, 31 CFR 901.1(a) and 31 CFR 901.1(b), Aggressive Agency Collection Activity. Once assessed, the penalty becomes a claim of the U.S. Government" . See IRM 8.11.6.2, FBAR Overview. When the FBAR case is ready to close from Exam, the exam group and CTR Operations must complete electronic processing procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4.6 Exception: Certain protested cases must NOT be electronically processed. For more information, see IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4.1 for pre-assessment appeals and IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4.2 for post- assessment appeals. In all FBAR cases proposing penalties, CTR Operations will: Follow all general closing procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4. Forward the penalty assessment information to the department manager, CTR Operations, or an authorized designee. This designated official completes the assessment using Form 13448, Penalty Assessments Certification Summary (Title 31 FBAR), prepared in accordance with IRM 4.26.17.4.3.5. The designated official may sign Form 13448 with a digital signature (as defined in IRM 4.26.17.1.6(4)) if desired. A copy of Form 13448 is placed in the case file Review the case for payment. See IRM 4.26.17.4.4.

Closing the FBAR Case with Penalties - Counsel Review

4.26.17.4.3.1 (12-11-2019) Closing the FBAR Case with Penalties - Counsel Review In willful violation penalty cases, the examiner will forward the written summary and the entire FBAR case file (unless FBAR Counsel agrees otherwise) to the appropriate FBAR Counsel for review and concurrence after the group manager, operating division FBAR coordinator, and if applicable, Fraud Technical Advisor, have reviewed and concurred with the assertion of the willful violation penalty. Counsel's review will be limited to providing advice on whether: An FBAR violation occurred, The FBAR violation was willful, The proposed penalty is within the statutory limitations of 31 USC 5321(a)(5)(C), Willful Violations, and If Counsel believes the penalty may not be appropriate given the facts and circumstances of the case, additional facts the examiner may want to consider in determining the amount of the penalty. Review by Counsel is not required when the examiner has determined: That there is no FBAR violation. The issuance of Letter 3800, Warning for Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) Apparent Violations, is appropriate. A non-willful violation penalty is appropriate. Each SB/SE Counsel Area has at least one FBAR coordinator. LB&I Counsel also has FBAR coordinators. See Exhibit 4.26.17-3 for FBAR Counsel listings. The examiner may also contact local counsel for the name of the appropriate FBAR Counsel or for other assistance with respect to FBAR cases. Upon receipt of the written summary and appropriate attachments for review and concurrence, Counsel will: Render its legal advice within 45 days or inform the examiner of potential delay. If coordination with an Associate Chief Counsel is necessary and will cause a delay, Counsel will inform the examiner. Counsel will work with the examiner to establish a shorter time frame if expedited review is needed. Prepare a written memorandum of review of the FBAR case. If Counsel recommends proposal of a willful penalty, Counsel will write a memo to support the Government's legal position. If Counsel does not recommend proposal of a willful penalty, the memo will state the reasons for the disagreement. If the disagreement is based upon inadequate factual development, the memo should recommend areas for further examination. The written advice memorandum is privileged information and can NOT be disseminated to the filer or other third parties. After the Counsel review has been completed, the group manager reviews the case and makes the final decision on the penalty. If needed, the FBAR Coordinator may assist in the penalty decision. If the group manager approves the penalty proposal, the examiner will issue the FBAR report package. See IRM 4.26.17.4.3.

Closing the FBAR Case with Penalties - Agreed

4.26.17.4.3.2 (12-11-2019) Closing the FBAR Case with Penalties - Agreed When the person violating the FBAR requirements agrees to assessment of the penalties, the person generally submits a signed and dated Form 13449, Agreement to Assessment and Collection of Penalties Under 31 U.S.C. 5321(a)(5) and 5321(a)(6), and payment to the examiner. The examiner will: Follow all general FBAR closing procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4. Follow all procedures, including electronic processing, for cases proposing penalties in IRM 4.26.17.4.3. Place the signed agreement Form 13449 in the FBAR case file. Process any payments received according to IRM 4.26.17.4.4. When the agreed FBAR case is ready to close from Exam, the exam group and CTR Operations must complete electronic processing procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4.6. When all procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4.6 are completed and the case is ready to ship, the group manager will close the agreed FBAR case to CTR Operations using Form 3210, Document Transmittal, in accordance with Exhibit 4.26.17-2, and will follow IRM 4.26.17.4.5 to update the FBAR controls in ERCS to status code 90.

Closing the FBAR Case Unagreed

4.26.17.4.3.3 (12-11-2019) Closing the FBAR Case Unagreed When the FBAR penalty is proposed but not agreed, the examiner waits 30 days from issuance of Letter 3709, FBAR 30 Day Letter, to see if the person will request an appeal as provided in Letter 3709. If less than 365 days remain on the statute and the filer will not extend the statute, the case will need to be closed for assessment of the FBAR penalty. See IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4. To appeal a proposed penalty, the person against whom an FBAR penalty is proposed must submit a written protest to the examiner, postmarked on or before the designated response date listed in the Letter 3709. The group manager may grant reasonable extensions of time to provide a protest. This should be documented in the Examination Activity Record. A valid protest must contain all the information required in Letter 3709. If the protest is valid, see IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4 for further procedures. If the protest is invalid, the examiner communicates the errors and/or omissions to the person against whom the FBAR penalty is proposed or their authorized power of attorney. If there is sufficient time remaining on the assessment statute of limitations to allow the person time to correct the protest, the examiner sets a reasonable deadline for its return. If insufficient time remains on the assessment statute of limitations, inform the person or authorized POA. Solicit a consent to extend the FBAR statute of limitations in accordance with IRM 4.26.17.3.1.3. If the statute is not extended, proceed with closing the case for assessment, as outlined in paragraph (6). If there is no response to the Letter 3709 the case is closed unagreed to CTR Operations, the penalty is assessed, and, if not already fully paid, the collection process begins. To prepare the case for closure, the examiner will: Follow all general closing procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4. Follow all procedures, including electronic processing, for cases proposing penalties in IRM 4.26.17.4.3. Document on the Examination Activity Record in the FBAR case file, that no response to Letter 3709 was received. When the unagreed (not protested) FBAR case is ready to close from Exam, the exam group and CTR Operations must complete electronic processing procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4.6. When all procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4.6 are completed and the case is ready to ship, the group manager will close the unagreed (not protested) FBAR case to CTR Operations using Form 3210, Document Transmittal, in accordance with Exhibit 4.26.17-2, and will follow IRM 4.26.17.4.5 to update the FBAR controls in ERCS to status code 90. Reminder: Exam does not ship protested cases to CTR Operations. See IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4 for shipping information.

Closing the FBAR Case Appealed

4.26.17.4.3.4 (12-11-2019) Closing the FBAR Case Appealed Deficiency procedures under Title 26 (Subchapter B of Chapter 63) do not apply to FBAR penalties, which are authorized under Title 31. Therefore, penalties may be appealed pre-assessment or post-assessment. Payment of the proposed penalty is not required to appeal. The filer is allowed only one appeal, whether pre- or post-assessment. Pre-assessment appeal is only available if there is sufficient time left on the FBAR assessment statute of limitations. Otherwise, only post-assessment appeal is available. A filer may agree to extend the assessment statute in order to make pre-assessment appeal available. If a protest is received and is valid according to IRM 4.26.17.4.3.3 the examiner reviews the FBAR assessment statute of limitations to determine the type of appeal. For a pre-assessment appeal, 365 days must remain on the FBAR assessment statute of limitations when the case file arrives in Appeals. See IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4.1 for pre-assessment appeal procedures. If less than 365 days remain on the FBAR assessment statute of limitations, and the filer refuses to extend the FBAR statute of limitations, pre-assessment appeal is not available. See post-assessment appeal procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4.2. See IRM 4.26.17.3.1 for information on determining the FBAR statute of limitations. In all appealed FBAR cases, the examiner follows general closing procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4 and procedures for cases with proposed penalties IRM 4.26.17.4.3. In addition, the examiner will: Explain the differences in pre-assessment and post-assessment appeals to the filer. Ensure that any documents needed in any related cases or in the FBAR case are copied so that there is a fully documented case file for each. Prepare Form 4665, Report Transmittal, in accordance with Rev. Proc. 2012-18, section 2.03(4) and IRM 8.1.10.4.2, Administrative File. Form 4665 should not contain any statements or information intended to influence Appeals or that otherwise may violate the ex parte communication rules. In general, the Form 4665 should be limited to a neutral list of unagreed issues, without comment. The examiner should not include any commentary regarding the merits of the penalty appeal. The case file compiled at the time of the original FBAR civil penalty determination should have sufficient documentation regarding the determination to sustain the penalty. No separate memorandum should be prepared for Appeals discussing the basis for the original penalty determination. Note on Form 4665 that the case is an FBAR category case, UIL 9999.99- 01, in the Appeals Coordinated Issue (ACI) Program. Note: If prepared, a rebuttal to the filer's protest must comply with IRM 4.2.7.4.1, Rebuttals of the Taxpayer's Protest. In all appealed FBAR cases, the group manager will: Forward the protested FBAR case file directly to Appeals using Form 3210, Document Transmittal, at the address per Appeals' case routing information, and Follow IRM 4.26.17.4.5 to update the FBAR controls to status code 90 upon (not before) Appeals' acknowledgement of case receipt. Do not update to status code 81; Appeals does not use ERCS for FBAR cases and will not update the status. Exception: If the frontline exam group is closing unagreed non-FBAR case(s) to Technical Services AND simultaneously closing a related protested FBAR case (MFT Y0), then the FBAR case must be closed through Technical Services. When frontline exam groups ship an FBAR case to Technical Services, the group MUST update ERCS to status code 21 following IRM 4.26.17.4.5. Technical Services will ship the cases to Appeals at the address per Appeals' case routing information. Appeals will: Follow procedures in IRM 8.11.6, Penalties Worked in Appeals, FBAR Penalties, and on the Appeals website. The appeals officer receiving the FBAR case must contact the Appeals FBAR coordinator prior to scheduling the initial conference. See IRM 8.11.6.2, FBAR Overview, for Appeals FBAR coordinator contact information. Provide the examiner, via the group manager, Form 5402, Appeals Transmittal and Case Memo, or an equivalent Appeals Case Memorandum regarding the outcome of the appealed FBAR case. Close the FBAR case to CTR Operations, following the closing procedures in IRM 8.11.6. See additional procedures, including electronic processing requirements and exceptions, in IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4.1 for pre-assessment appeals and IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4.2 for post-assessment appeals.

Closing the FBAR Case - Pre-Assessment Appeal

4.26.17.4.3.4.1 (12-11-2019) Closing the FBAR Case - Pre-Assessment Appeal Pre-assessment appeal is allowed if at least 365 days remain on the FBAR assessment statute of limitations when the case file arrives in Appeals. An FBAR penalty is only eligible for Fast Track Settlement if it has not been assessed, and: Letter 3709, FBAR 30 Day Letter, has not been issued to the filer, or The filer requests Fast Track Settlement after issuance of Letter 3709 and before the examination group releases jurisdiction of the case. Refer to IRM 8.26.1, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Fast Track Settlement for Large Business and International (LB&I) Taxpayers, and IRM 8.26.2, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program, Fast Track Settlement for Small Business/Self Employed (SB/SE) Taxpayers. See also IRM 8.11.6.2(6), FBAR Overview. Follow all general closing procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4, all procedures for cases with proposed penalties in IRM 4.26.17.4.3, and all general appeal closing procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4. Electronic processing procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4.6 do NOT apply to protested years so long as ALL years in a multi-year examination will have at least 365 days remaining on the ASED when Appeals receives the case, allowing the filer to retain an opportunity for a hearing prior to assessment. IRM 4.26.17.3.1.3. Exception: If at least one protested year will have less than 365 days remaining on the ASED when Appeals receives the case, all years in a multi-year examination MUST be electronically processed before Exam closes it, which means protested years can only go to Appeals post-assessment. If this exception applies, follow IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4.2 instead. Appeals will return the FBAR case to exam if, when Appeals receives the case, 1) any year in a multi-year exam has less than 365 days on the ASED and 2) electronic processing is not completed. The examiner will assemble the case file for closure (unagreed-appealed) in accordance with IRM 4.26.17.2.4 and forward the case file to the group manager for closure. The group manager will complete the FMD, including Disposition and Date Closed from Group, and email it to CTR Operations with a CC to BSA Policy. Keep the original FMD in the FBAR case file and, when the case is ready to ship, close it directly to Appeals, or if the exception applies, to Technical Services. See IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4 to determine where to ship the protested case and how to close its ERCS controls. Upon receipt of the FMD indicating the case is appealed, CTR Operations will record the appeal on the FBAR database and continue to monitor the statute of limitations. CTR Operations will contact Appeals when the statute of limitations has less than a year until it expires and thereafter on a regular basis. Upon receipt of a pre-assessment appealed FBAR case pursuant to the exception in IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4, Technical Services will follow the procedures in IRM 4.8.2, Technical Services, Case Processing. Upon receipt of a pre-assessment appealed case, in addition to following the procedures in this IRM section, Appeals will follow the procedures in IRM 8.11.6, FBAR Penalties.

Closing the FBAR Case - Post-Assessment Appeal

4.26.17.4.3.4.2 (12-11-2019) Closing the FBAR Case - Post-Assessment Appeal Appeals requires 365 days remaining on the assessment statute of limitations at the time the administrative file is received in Appeals. If this requirement is not met, the FBAR penalty must be assessed before it can be appealed. Assessed FBAR penalties are not eligible for Fast Track Settlement. Appeals settlement authority is limited if the assessed FBAR penalty exceeds $100,000. Once a penalty in excess of $100,000 has been assessed, the penalty becomes a claim of the U.S. Government. See IRM 8.11.6.2, FBAR Overview. To propose a settlement of a penalty greater than $100,000, Department of Justice (DOJ) approval is required. See 31 USC 3711(a)(2), Collection and Compromise, and 31 CFR 901.1(a) and 31 CFR 901.1(b). See also IRM 8.11.6.12, Time Limitations on FBAR Cases with DOJ Involvement. When DOJ approves Appeals' settlement proposal, DOJ sends an authorization letter that gives Appeals the authority to make the settlement proposal to the filer. Any changes to the proposal must be approved by DOJ. To the extent possible, DOJ expects full payment with settlements. Follow all general closing procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4, all procedures for cases proposing penalties in IRM 4.26.17.4.3, and all general appeal closing procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4, including electronic processing. When the FBAR case is ready to close from Exam, the exam group and CTR Operations must complete electronic processing procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4.6. Note: If at least one protested year will have less than 365 days remaining on the ASED when Appeals receives the case, all years in a multi-year examination MUST be electronically processed before Exam closes it, which means protested years can only go to Appeals post-assessment following IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4.2. When all procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4.6 are completed and the case is ready to ship, the group manager will close it directly to Appeals, or if the exception applies, to Technical Services. See IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4(7) to determine where to ship the protested case and how to close its ERCS controls. For unagreed cases received in CTR Operations from Exam without a valid protest, if the filer submits a protest to CTR Operations in response to Letter 3708, Notice and Demand for Payment of FBAR Penalty, and there is less than one year remaining on the assessment statute, CTR Operations will: Include Form 13448 and the protest in the case file, and Forward the file to Appeals immediately after issuance of Letter 3708. To be accepted, Appeals requires 18 months remaining on the two-year statute to file suit. In other words, the file must be received by Appeals within six months after assessment. Upon receipt of the post-assessment appealed case, in addition to following procedures in this IRM, Appeals will follow the procedures in IRM 8.11.6, Penalties Worked in Appeals, FBAR Penalties. Appeals Team Managers may, upon receipt of an electronically processed post- assessment case, email CTR Operations to request a copy of Letter 3708 issued by CTR Operations. Use email subject line Demand Letter Request, and in the email body include the case name, TIN and year(s) for which the letter is requested.

Preparing Form 13448 (CTR Operations Only)

4.26.17.4.3.5 (09-04-2025) Preparing Form 13448 (CTR Operations Only) Only CTR Operations is authorized to prepare Form 13448, Penalty Assessment Certification Summary (Title 31 "FBAR" ). Form 13448, for internal use only, validates the assessment by documenting the IRS's determination that the penalty assessed is legally due and payable. It functions in the same way as Form 23-C, Assessment Certificate - Summary Record of Assessments, in the campus. When Form 13448 is required, it must be prepared in accordance with this section. Note: This section includes specific instructions to prepare Form 13448 for only non-willful reporting violations, consistent with IRM 4.26.16, as updated for the Supreme Court's decision in Bittner v. United States (143 S.Ct. 713 (2023)). See IRM 4.26.17.4.3.5.2. Prepare one form per calendar year. Additional preparation instructions apply when Form 13448 is: For only non-willful reporting violations, see IRM 4.26.17.4.3.5.1. For any other violation type(s), see IRM 4.26.17.4.3.5.2.

Form 13448 for Only Non-Willful Reporting Violations

4.26.17.4.3.5.1 (09-04-2025) Form 13448 for Only Non-Willful Reporting Violations When preparing Form 13448, Penalty Assessment Certification Summary (Title 31 "FBAR" ). for only non-willful reporting violations, create a summary entry as described in paragraph (2) and complete account information as described in paragraph (3). To create a summary entry for the non-willful reporting violation penalty that lists the penalty amount, enter information to display on Form 13448 per the following table: Filed Input Foreign Bank, Institution, or Agent "FinCEN Form 114" Foreign Account Number "BSA ID: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX" , where XXXXXXXXXXXXXX is the 14 digit BSA ID of the legally non-compliant FBAR being penalized. If no FBAR has been filed at the time penalties are proposed, input "BSA ID: not filed." Penalty Class Indicate a penalty for a non-willful reporting violation applies Penalty Amount Penalty amount assessed for non-willful reporting violation Record information for each unreported or improperly reported foreign account as described in the following table: Field Input Foreign Bank, Institution, or Agent The unreported or improperly reported item. Do not enter generic words, such as "various" , "multiple" , or "see attached." Foreign Account Number The account number. Do not enter generic words, such as "various" , "multiple" , or "see attached." Penalty Class Indicate a penalty for non-willful reporting violation applies Penalty Amount Leave BLANK. Do not enter $0.00.

Form 13448 for All Other Violations

4.26.17.4.3.5.2 (09-04-2025) Form 13448 for All Other Violations When preparing Form 13448 for violation(s) other than only non-willful reporting violations, the summary entry and account presentation in IRM 4.26.17.5.3.5.1 do not apply. Instead, record information for each unreported or improperly reported foreign account as described in the following table: Field Input Foreign Bank, Institution, or Agent The unreported or improperly reported item. Do not enter generic words, such as "various" , "multiple" , or "see attached." Foreign Account Number The account number. Do not enter generic words, such as "various" , "multiple" , or "see attached." Penalty Class Indicate the applicable penalty class Penalty Amount Enter the penalty amount

Closing the FBAR Case - Payment and Collection

4.26.17.4.4 (09-04-2025) Closing the FBAR Case - Payment and Collection Payment on the FBAR penalty must be evidenced by a separate check or money order payable to the United States Treasury and should include the taxpayer identification number (TIN) and year(s) for which the FBAR payment is made. Electronic payments are not available for FBAR penalties. Because FBAR and the Title 26 payments are processed by different functions within the IRS, separate checks or money orders must be written for FBAR and Title 26 payments. The examiner should not issue a tax receipt form, such as Form 809, Receipt for Payment of Taxes, for the FBAR payment. Under 31 USC 3717(b), Interest and Penalty on Claims, interest begins to accrue on the date a notice of penalty amount due (Letter 3708, Notice and Demand for Payment of FBAR Penalty,) is first mailed by CTR Operations to the filer. However, 31 USC 3717(d) prohibits the charging of interest if the amount due on the claim is paid within thirty days from the date Letter 3708 is first mailed to the filer. The applicable interest rate is found at the Bureau of The Fiscal Service Current Value of Funds Rate website. In addition to interest, a delinquency penalty of not more than 6 percent a year under 31 USC 3717(e)(2) applies to amounts remaining unpaid ninety days from the date a notice of the penalty amount due is first mailed to the filer. When an FBAR payment is received, the employee will process the payment as follows: Write the TIN and FBAR year(s) on the check/money order, if not already done. Copy the check or money order. Within 24 hours of receipt of payment, use overnight mail to send CTR Operations at the address in Exhibit 4.26.17-2 the following items: 1) payment, 2) page 1 of Form 3244-A, Payment Posting Voucher - Examination, prepared per paragraph (6), and 3) Form 3210, prepared per paragraph (7). Note: Tracking and double wrapping are required as with all IRS mailings. For payments, the outside envelope should not include references or other information identifying that a payment is enclosed. Use the address exactly as shown in Exhibit 4.26.17-2. Retain a copy of the check or money order, Form 3244-A (page 2), and Form 3210 in the case file. Prepare one Form 3244-A per check/money order to be fully applied to FBAR, regardless of the number of FBAR periods to which that check/money order may apply. Complete Form 3244-A as follows: Note: If a check or money order payment applies to both Title 26 and FBAR, apply the full payment to Title 26. Then, if not refunded, follow IRM 4.26.17.4.4.1 to move the appropriate portion of the payment to FBAR account. Field Input DLN Leave blank Status Leave blank SSN/EIN Only 1 individual or entity TIN Form number/MFT "FBAR/Y0" Tax Period "XXXX-YYYY" where XXXX is the first year and YYYY is the last year for which this payment applies. Unless otherwise noted in "Remarks" , payment will be allocated to the earliest year(s) first, following 31 CFR 901.9(f), Interest, Penalties, and Administrative Costs. Plan/Report Number "N/A" Transaction/Received Date Date the check/money order was received by IRS. This date is used to post the payment, ensuring accurate interest and failure-to-pay penalty calculations. Taxpayer name/address/zip code Only 1 individual or entity name. Enter full name, street address, city, state, and zip code. Remarks "FBAR Penalty -Title 31, General Ledger Account 6400, Appropriation 20-3220" Check number. Trace ID Number Leave blank Prepared by Name, telephone number and, if in Exam, also Primary Business Code, Secondary Business Code, Employee Group Code. Transaction Data Section for Debits Leave blank Transaction Data section, Other Credit Check/money order amount. (Must equal the amount in "Total Payment" .) Leave Code and DPC fields blank. Transaction Data section, Total Payment Check/money order amount. (Must equal the amount in "Other Credit." ) Complete Form 3210, Document Transmittal, including: Filer name, TIN, "FBAR/MFT Y0" Period(s) to which the payment will be applied, The dollar amount of the check/money order, The shipment tracking number, a valid e-Fax number or email address for the recipient to return the acknowledgement copy. If critical errors are made, the employee's manager will be informed and must contact the employee for necessary corrective actions. If Form 3210 is not acknowledged within 10 business days, the sender will immediately contact CTR Operations. See IRM 1.4.40.4.2.6, Shipping Personally Identifiable Information (PII). If the payment is erroneously posted to a non-FBAR module, the employee is responsible for tracing the payment to ensure it is refunded from the tax module. See IRM 4.26.17.4.4.1 for instructions on preparing Form 2424, Account Adjustment Voucher. Upon receipt of a closed case file, CTR Operations will review the case for payment of the penalty. If the penalty has been paid in full, CTR Operations will follow the FBAR procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4 and place the case file in the FBAR historic files. If the penalty is not paid in full, CTR Operations will: Prepare Letter 3708 signed by the CTR Operations department manager. Enter the interest rate on Letter 3708 according to the interest rate currently published by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS). Issue Letter 3708 with Notice 1330, Information on Making FBAR Penalty Payment by Check, via certified or registered mail with a return receipt requested. Review the FMD to determine if there is a POA and if so, send the POA a copy of Letter 3708 using regular mail. Place a copy of the dated Letter 3708 in the case file; and If the penalty is not full paid within 45 days after issuance of Letter 3708, refer the case to BFS for collection action. All collection activity for FBAR penalties is handled by BFS and/or Department of Justice (DOJ), not by IRS. Any collection activity will consider the following: Letter 3708 solicits full payment, partial payment if full payment cannot be made, and/or written request for installment agreement, which is then forwarded to BFS for consideration IRS has no authority to enter into repayment/compromise agreements or enforce collection activity on FBAR penalties Collection enforcement action is explained on Letter 3708. IRS refers unpaid FBAR penalties to BFS, DOJ or private collection agencies, as appropriate, for collection activity. Referral fees, which can be substantial, are the responsibility of the person or entity for which the referral is made; and Offer-in-Compromise is not applicable to FBAR penalties. IRC 7122, Compromises, grants the power to compromise a liability arising under the Internal Revenue laws. Since FBAR penalties do not arise under the Internal Revenue laws, IRC 7122 is not applicable to FBAR penalties. Although the Department of Justice (DOJ) and BFS handle collection of judgments in FBAR cases, in cases where a related statute determination has been made, the IRS may provide certain assistance to DOJ related to collection. At the request of DOJ, the IRS may conduct follow-up investigations or determine collection potential. See IRM 25.3.5.3, General Responsibilities. Refunds of FBAR penalty payments are not systemically issued, as Title 26 overpayments typically are. Generally, to obtain a refund, the person against whom the FBAR penalty was assessed must file a refund suit against the government in District Court. However, in agreed cases (including cases where a filer agrees with an assessment or to a settlement while the case is with Appeals, Counsel, or DOJ), CTR Operations may initiate a refund using Form 3753, Manual Refund Posting Voucher. See Exhibit 4.26.17-2 for CTR Operations contact information

Instructions for Misposted FBAR Payments

4.26.17.4.4.1 (12-11-2019) Instructions for Misposted FBAR Payments If FBAR payments have been misposted (such as MFT 55, 30) or the Offshore Penalty has been misposted (such as an FBAR payment), you must complete Form 2424, Account Adjustment Voucher, to make the correction to move the payment to the correct account. Use Form 2424 to debit Master File and credit the 6400 Account. Use subaccount 2320. The form must be mailed/faxed to the campus where the payment was originally deposited. The campus where the payment was originally deposited can be determined by the first two digits in the Trace ID field. Any Trace ID number that begins with any number except 17 (Cincinnati) needs to be sent to the appropriate campus as listed in ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡. Note: The Trace ID is required for every transfer. The Trace ID is shown under the TC 640 on TXMOD. The Trace ID is shown under VARIABLE DATE on the IMFOLT print. Include the letters & numbers of the trace ID on the request. Include an IDRS print with each Account Adjustment Voucher. TXMOD is preferred by accounting however IMFOLT & INOLES can be used. The following items should be completed on the top (debit) half of Form 2424: Taxpayer Name and Address X-ref TIN (Taxpayer SSN) X-ref MFT X-ref tax period Transaction date The following items are completed on the bottom (credit) half of Form 2424: Document Locator Number – leave blank 1st T.C. - 642 Debit amount $ Form 813 amount – leave blank Credit amount $ Date prepared Prepared by – RA name

Closing ERCS Controls

4.26.17.4.5 (12-11-2019) Closing ERCS Controls LB&I Issue Management System (IMS) users, follow regular IMS closing procedures. Ensure that the FBAR penalty is entered as a "Deficiency Amount" and not as a "Penalty" . All others follow the procedures below to close FBAR controls on ERCS. From the ERCS main menu, select 6 – Transfer, Close, Establish Control Select 1 – Transfer/Close Enter the TIN Select the appropriate modules to be closed For year(s) closing to Technical Services if the exception in IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4 applies, update the Status Code to 21 and hit Enter Note: FBAR cases do not use Appeals status codes. Note: If less than 425 days remain on the ASED, do not close the case to Technical Services for forwarding to Appeals. Contact your local FBAR coordinator or analyst for guidance. For year(s) closing directly to Appeals pursuant to IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4 or to CTR Operations for any other type of disposition per IRM 4.26.17.4, update the Status Code to 90 and hit Enter. Update the Disposal Code to 12 for all dispositions. Do not use any other disposal code. In the Deficiency field, enter the FBAR penalty amount, or if no FBAR penalty is proposed, enter $1. The Tot Penalty field must be $0. When asked to Add or update penalties (Y/N), enter N. Do not enter Y. Enter $0 in Interest and Adjustment fields and complete all remaining fields as appropriate. When all information has been entered, ERCS will ask if all information is correct. When it is, enter Y to close the record. Managerial approval is not required in ERCS to close the record. Send the physical case file to the proper location in accordance with IRM 4.26.17.4 and local procedure. For cases closing to CTR Operations, refer to Exhibit 4.26.17-2 for address and shipping information. For appealed FBAR cases sent to Technical Services, ERCS controls will remain in a Technical Services status code until Appeals returns Form 3210, Document Transmittal, to Technical Services. When Appeals acknowledges receipt of the FBAR case, Technical Services will update the ERCS record to status 90. FBAR cases do not use Appeals status codes.

Electronic Processing When Ready to Close

4.26.17.4.6 (09-04-2025) Electronic Processing When Ready to Close Electronic case processing procedures allow closed case processing to be completed before CTR Operations' receipt of the physical case file. They do not, however, close the FBAR case. Electronic processing is NOT electronic closure. Electronic closure is not an option for FBAR cases at this time; a physical case file remains a requirement for all FBAR cases per IRM 4.26.17.4. Electronic processing is required for all dispositions and all FBAR years when the FBAR case is ready to close from Exam, except certain protested cases. Exception: Certain protested cases must NOT be electronically processed. For more information, see IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4.1 for pre-assessment appeals and IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4.2 for post-assessment appeals.

Submitting an Electronic Processing Package to CTR Operations

4.26.17.4.6.1 (09-04-2025) Submitting an Electronic Processing Package to CTR Operations If electronic processing is required, exam Group Managers must email CTR Operations and (CC BSA Policy) when the case is ready to close. Use email subject line, "Electronic Processing Package." Only 1 filer per email, but all years closing for that filer can be included in one email, even with different dispositions. In the body of the email, include the following information: Case name, Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), FBAR period(s) ready for closure included in this package, ASED of each FBAR period in (c), A comment if approvals were secured from the group manager, Operating Division FBAR coordinator, and for willful violations, Counsel, as required by IRM 4.26.17.4 and IRM 4.26.16.5.6, Managerial Involvement and Approval of FBAR Penalties. Contact information is available on Servicewide FBAR Knowledge Base; and The 14-digit BSA ID of each legally non-compliant FBAR being penalized (or identify as "BSA ID: not filed" ever) for each year in the package with only non-willful reporting violations. CTR Operations requires this information per IRM 4.26.17.4.3.5.1. For No Action or Warning Letter dispositions, attach to the email the closing Form 13536, Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Report (FBAR) Monitoring Document (FMD). In "Date Closed from Group" field, record "IGM: Emailed CTR Ops MM/DD/YY" where MM/DD/YY is the date of this email submission. If penalties are proposed, attach to the email: The closing FMD prepared as described in paragraph (5) Form 13449 prepared per IRM 4.26.17.3.7 either signed by the filer/authorized POA or, if unagreed, a copy of the issued Form 13449. Print this email and Form 13536 and retain both in the physical case file. Remember to CC BSA Policy on all electronic processing package submissions. CTR Operations: Follow IRM 4.26.17.4.6.2 to process the electronic package. Exam groups: Refer to IRM 4.26.17.4.6.3 for Exam's next steps.

CTR Operations: Processing the Electronic Packages

4.26.17.4.6.2 (09-04-2025) CTR Operations: Processing the Electronic Packages Use the information received in the electronic processing package (described in IRM 4.26.17.4.6.1) to record the disposition and case shipment status in the FBAR Database. In the database field "Date Closed from Group" , enter "IGM: Awaiting Shipment as of MM/DD/YYYY" where MM/DD/YYYY is from the closing Form 13536, "Date Closed from Group" field. If penalties are proposed, complete Form 13448, Penalty Assessments Certification Summary (Title 31 "FBAR" ) following IRM 4.26.17.4.3.5, and if applicable, issue Letter 3708, Notice and Demand for Payment of FBAR Penalty, to the filer and any POA. Within 10 business days of receiving the electronic processing package, email the signed Form 13448, confirming the amount and date of the FBAR penalty assessment, to the Exam Group Manager who emailed the electronic processing package. Retain the signed Form 13448 and, if issued, copy of signed Letter 3708 and any Letter 937, Transmittal for Power of Attorney, in CTR Operations case file.

After Submitting the Electronic Processing Package to CTR Operations

4.26.17.4.6.3 (09-04-2025) After Submitting the Electronic Processing Package to CTR Operations If penalties are proposed: The frontline exam group must wait for the signed Form 13448, Penalty Assessment Certification Summary (Title 31 "FBAR" ), from CTR Operations to proceed with closure. This form should be emailed to the exam group manager within 10 business days of electronic package submission. Note: This timeframe begins when the electronic processing package is complete, and all information is provided that CTR Operations needs to process it. If Form 13448 is not received within 10 business days of complete electronic package submission, follow-up with CTR Operations and CC BSA Policy. Upon receipt of the signed Form 13448, print it, write in red in the top margin "Exam Copy" and attach it to the front of Form 13449, Agreement to Assessment and Collection of Penalties Under 31 U.S.C. 5321(a)(5) and 5321(a)(6), in the physical case file. Immediately review for accuracy and report any discrepancies to BSA Policy with an email subject line, "Assessment Discrepancy." If penalties are not proposed, no confirmation of electronic processing is provided to exam; proceed toward closure. Prepare the physical case file for closure per IRM 4.26.17.2.4 and forward the case file to the group manager. When the physical case file is ready to ship, follow I IRM 4.26.17.6.4.

Final Case Preparation When the Physical Case File is Ready to Ship

4.26.17.4.6.4 (09-04-2025) Final Case Preparation When the Physical Case File is Ready to Ship When the physical case file is ready to ship, the exam group must finalize the closing Form 13536, Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Report (FBAR) Monitoring Document (FMD), (printed per IRM 4.26.17.4.6.1 by changing the "Date Closed from Group" field to "IGM: Shipped MM/DD/YYYY" where MM/DD/YYY is the date the case will ship. Handwritten update is acceptable. Attach this updated Form 13536 to the front of the electronic processing submission email printed per IRM 4.26.17.4.6.1. Exam Group Managers must email CTR Operations about case shipment. Use email subject line, "Electronically Processed Case Now Shipping" , and in the email body include the case name, TIN, period(s), when and where the case is shipping. Insert this email in the physical case file before shipping. CTR Operations: Upon receipt of this email, update "Date Closed from Group" field in the FBAR Database to "IGM: Shipped MM/DD/YYYY" where ""MM/DD/YYY" is the shipment date in the email. If electronic processing is required, it MUST be completed prior to shipping. Exam: Refer to the applicable IRM for shipping and updating ERCS controls, depending on the type of exam closure: IRM 4.26.17.4.1, Closing the FBAR Case – No Action IRM 4.26.17.4.2, Closing the FBAR Case – Warning Letter IRM 4.26.17.4.3.2, Closing the FBAR Case with Penalties - Agreed IRM 4.26.17.4.3.3, Closing the FBAR Case Unagreed IRM 4.26.17.4.3.4, Closing the FBAR Case Appealed CTR Operations: Refer to the applicable IRM for next steps, depending on the type of closure: IRM 4.26.17.4, Closing the FBAR Case, or IRM 4.26.17.4.3, Closing the FBAR Case with Penalties.

FBAR Special Procedures

4.26.17.5 (12-11-2019) FBAR Special Procedures Procedures used in FBAR compliance activities are substantially different from those used in an income tax examination. Some of the special procedures that may be encountered in an FBAR examination include procedures for: Delinquent FBAR procedures (See IRM 4.26.17.5.1) BSA summons in FBAR examinations (See IRM 4.26.17.5.2) Fraud referrals (See IRM 4.26.17.5.3) Bankruptcy procedures (See IRM 4.26.17.5.4)

Delinquent FBAR Procedures

4.26.17.5.1 (12-11-2019) Delinquent FBAR Procedures Examiners must not secure delinquent or amended FBARs in paper form. To solicit electronic filing of delinquent or corrected FBARs, an FBAR examination for the applicable year(s) must be open. See IRM 4.26.17.2 for procedures to start an FBAR examination. During the FBAR examination, electronic filing of delinquent or corrected FBARs, as applicable, should be solicited unless a criminal referral is contemplated. If Letter 3800, Warning for Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) Apparent Violations, is issued, see IRM 4.26.17.4.2 for additional solicitation procedures. If the filer provides an original paper FBAR to the examiner, return the originals to the filer and instruct the filer to electronically file the delinquent or amended FBAR on FinCEN's BSA E-filing System. The filer should also be instructed to provide a copy of the filing to the examiner. Additional filing information is provided in IRM 4.26.16.3.11 Delinquent FBAR Filing Procedures, and IRM 4.26.16.3.12, Amending a Filed FBAR. The examiner can also verify the filing on the BSA Search system within days of the electronic filing. See IRM 4.26.17.3.4.4 for details. A copy of the delinquent FBAR or proof of filing should be placed in the case file.

BSA Summons in FBAR Examinations

4.26.17.5.2 (12-11-2019) BSA Summons in FBAR Examinations The examiner must use FinCEN Form 113, BSA Summons, not the Title 26 summons in FBAR examinations that: Did not derive from Title 26 with an approved RSM, or Did derive from Title 26 with an approved RSM but as of the date of summons issuance, a Title 26 examination is not open in the exam group for the year(s) to which the summons pertains. Example: Assume an approved RSM was secured to open an FBAR examination for 2016. When the summons is to be issued, the only Title 26 examination open is for tax year 2017. Because the summons will request records in the matter of the 2016 FBAR examination, and the same year (2016) is not open for income tax examination, Form 2039, Summons, cannot be used. The FinCEN Form 113 is used to summon and require an individual to appear and give testimony and/or produce books, papers, records, and other data identified as essential to the civil enforcement requirements of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act, as amended. See 31 USC 5311-5324, section 21 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 USC 1829b, Retention of Records by Insured Depository Institutions) and Title 1 of Public Law 91- 508 (12 USC 1951, et seq.). See IRM 4.26.8.4, FinCEN Form 113, BSA Summons, for additional information such as: IRM 4.26.8.4, FinCEN Form 113, BSA Summons IRM 4.26.8.4.1, Completion of Summons IRM 4.26.8.4.3, Service of a Summons IRM 4.26.8.4.4, Examination of Books and Witnesses IRM 4.26.8.4.6, Disclosure of Summons, Testimony, or Records

BSA Summons Approval in FBAR Examinations

4.26.17.5.2.1 (12-11-2019) BSA Summons Approval in FBAR Examinations Prior to issuance of FinCEN Form 113, BSA summons, the summons must be reviewed. BSA examiners will follow the review and approval process in IRM 4.26.8.4.2, Review of BSA Summons Prior to Issuance. All other examiners follow the process in this section. The summons package forwarded for review includes: The cover memorandum (see IRM 4.26.8.4.1.2, Summons Package Memoranda), Copy of the first page of FinCEN Form 113, and Attachments to the summons as described in IRM 4.26.8.4.1.1, Attachments to the Summons, including the listing of documents and records being summoned, definitions and information of reimbursement of expenses. (IRM 4.26.8.4, FinCEN Form 113, BSA Summons) The cover memorandum is addressed from the examiner through the group manager and Counsel to the examiner's territory manager (TM) and: Provides a brief history of the case, Describes the potential FBAR violations, States why the summons is being sought, and States if the party being summoned indicated if they will comply with the summons. The examiner forwards the summons package for review through the group manager to Counsel. Counsel reviews the summons and if approved, prepares a memorandum to the TM approving issuance of the BSA summons and sends the memo to the TM with the rest of the summons package. If disapproved, Counsel works with the examiner to resolve the problem. The TM reviews Counsel's approval memo and the summons package before signing the summons. If in disagreement with the decision to issue the summons, the TM discusses with Counsel, the group manager, and the examiner, as appropriate. If in agreement, the TM signs the summons as the issuing person. The TM then returns the signed summons and summons package to the examiner through the group manager for service of the summons. Procedures for service of the summons are described in IRM 4.26.8.4.3, Service of a Summons.

BSA Summons Enforcement in FBAR Examinations

4.26.17.5.2.2 (12-11-2019) BSA Summons Enforcement in FBAR Examinations The examiner will immediately report any refusal to comply or any proceeding brought by the summoned party to quash a summons to group and territory managers and Counsel. In cases where there is a refusal to comply or a proceeding brought by the summoned party, the examiner will: Review IRM 25.5.10, Summons, Enforcement of Summons, for considerations in summons enforcement. The examiner will not refer a summons for enforcement in the situations given in IRM 25.5.10, such as 1) the summoned party or their representative has contacted the IRS and indicated a willingness to comply and requests a reasonable extension of time to comply; or 2) the summoned party has appeared and denied under oath the possession or control of the documents summoned, unless there is good reason to believe otherwise. If appropriate, request enforcement action when the summoned party neglects or refuses to comply. See IRM 4.26.17.5.2.3 for procedures to make this request.

Requesting BSA Summons Enforcement in FBAR Examinations

4.26.17.5.2.3 (12-11-2019) Requesting BSA Summons Enforcement in FBAR Examinations The examiner will prepare requests for enforcement of a BSA Summons in FBAR cases using the memorandum report format. The summons enforcement request memorandum is addressed from the examiner through the group manager and territory manager (TM) to Counsel. The memorandum is to be signed by the examiner's TM. The memorandum includes the information in IRM 4.26.8.4.5, Summons Enforcement. The TM reviews the summons enforcement request memorandum prior to signing it. If in agreement with the decision to enforce the summons, the TM signs the memo and returns it to the group manager for forwarding to Counsel. If the TM does not agree, the TM discusses the decision with the examiner, group manager and Counsel, as appropriate. Counsel considers the summons enforcement request and notifies the examiner whether the summons can or cannot be enforced. The examiner will notify the group manager and territory manager of Counsel's decision. If Counsel believes the summons can be enforced, the summons request is forwarded to the appropriate U.S. Attorney's office. The original and one copy of the summons are transmitted through Counsel to the U.S. Attorney's office in which the venue lies. If Counsel makes a referral for enforcement of a BSA summons to the U.S. Attorney's office, FinCEN must be notified per IRM 4.26.8.4.6, Disclosure of Summons, Testimony, or Records. To complete these procedures, the examiner's TM will contact the appropriate BSA Policy Program Manager listed on BSA's website identified in Exhibit 4.26.17-3.

Fraud Referrals in FBAR Examinations

4.26.17.5.3 (12-11-2019) Fraud Referrals in FBAR Examinations If indications and/or affirmative acts of intentional or willful FBAR violations are discovered, the examiner will discuss the potential violations with the group manager and operating division FBAR coordinator. A Fraud Enforcement Advisor (FEA) can assist the examiner in determining whether there was a willful violation and provide the examiner with information concerning referrals to Criminal Investigation. Examiners may coordinate their FBAR case with an FEA when there are indicators of willfulness but no reason to believe the case may warrant a criminal referral. FEAs can apply their experience to assist with determining if there was a willful violation and with developing indicators of willfulness or intent. Examiners will coordinate their FBAR case with an FEA when they have reason to believe the case may warrant a criminal referral. FEAs can apply their experience to assist with the criminal referral to ensure it is adequately developed. If the decision is made to involve the FEA in the FBAR case, the examiner will complete Form 13639, Fraudulent Intent Referral Memorandum (FIRM), and forward to the FEA following local procedures. The FIRM documents the involvement of the FEA, the plan for developing the case with respect to the willfulness issue, and the referral recommendations of the FEA. See IRM 25.1.12.3, Development of Willfulness, IRM 25.1.12.4, Referral Recommendations - Criminal Referral is Not Recommended, and IRM 25.1.12.5, Referral Recommendations – Criminal Referral is Recommended, for information regarding the FEA's review and recommendations. Refer to IRM 4.26.16, Bank Secrecy Act, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR), for information regarding willfulness in FBAR violations. For any related Title 26 examination, follow all applicable fraud development and referral procedures in IRM 25.1, Fraud Handbook, including completion of Form 11661, Fraud Development Recommendation - Examination, and a separate Form 2797, Referral Report of Potential Criminal Fraud Cases. Fraud referrals for FBAR examinations and Title 26 examinations cannot be combined on the same form. The FBAR assessment statute of limitations is not impacted by the existence of civil or criminal fraud in an FBAR violation or in any related Title 26 violation. Thus, the two-digit alphabetic codes (alpha codes) in IRM 25.6.23-3, Instructions for Updating the Statute on AIMS, designating special statute situations, such as NN (substantial omission of items), or OO (fraud or false return), are not applicable to FBARs. See IRM 4.26.17.3.1 and the remainder of this IRM subsection for additional FBAR statute of limitations information and procedures. Note: If any related Title 26 examination is under criminal investigation, but the related FBAR examination is not and the FBAR case is protested to Appeals, the FBAR case may not be accepted by Appeals and may be returned to the field as a premature referral. Department of Justice may propose a settlement in the criminal case, which may include an FBAR penalty. To be included in the settlement, the FBAR case cannot be in Appeals' jurisdiction. Caution: Examiners should exercise extreme awareness of the FBAR assessment statute of limitations in these cases and take timely actions to protect it. Discuss appropriate statute protection measures with the group manager, operating division FBAR coordinator, Counsel, and others, as appropriate.

Criminal FBAR Violations

4.26.17.5.3.1 (12-11-2019) Criminal FBAR Violations IRS Criminal Investigation has BSA criminal examination authority under 31 CFR 1010.810(c)(2), Enforcement. Criminal FBAR penalties appear at 31 USC 5322, Criminal Penalties, and 31 CFR 1010.840, Criminal Penalty. Acceptance by Criminal Investigation of an FBAR referral for criminal investigation depends on the evidence establishing willfulness and sometimes other criteria. Willfulness is a question of intent. Willfulness for criminal FBAR violations involves the intentional, voluntary violation of a known legal duty. Criminal sentencing in FBAR cases depends on the federal sentencing guidelines. Federal sentencing guidelines for money laundering cases that include criminal FBAR reporting or recordkeeping violations appear in the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, 2S1.3, Structuring Transactions to Evade Reporting Requirements. The relevant statutes require monetary reporting without regard to whether the funds were lawfully or unlawfully obtained. The period of limitation for FBAR criminal penalties is the general criminal statute of limitations in 18 USC 3282, Offenses Not Capital. This section provides that except as otherwise expressly provided by law, no person shall be prosecuted, tried, or punished for any non-capital offense, unless the indictment is found, or the information is instituted within five years after such offense shall have been committed.

Making a Criminal FBAR Referral

4.26.17.5.3.2 (12-11-2019) Making a Criminal FBAR Referral If the examiner considers that the case warrants referral for possible criminal investigation, the examiner, with the approval of the group manager, will involve an Fraud Enforcement Advisor (FEA) as soon as possible, if one is not already involved. See IRM 4.26.17.5.3 for procedures, including discussion of when FEA involvement is mandatory and when it is optional. If, on Form 13639, Fraudulent Intent Referral Memorandum (FIRM), the FEA determines that firm indications of willfulness and criminal criteria are present, the examiner will prepare Form 2797, Referral Report of Potential Criminal Fraud Cases, with a detailed explanation of the FBAR violations. The FEA will assist in the preparation of Form 2797 if requested by the examiner. When preparing Form 2797 for an FBAR referral, the examiner will follow the instructions attached to the form and: Note that "filer" means the person required to file the FBAR regardless of whether the person filed; Insert "FBAR Violation" in Item 2i (Basis for the Suspected Fraud - Other); Include a narrative with Form 2797 to include 1) the results of BSA Search research for FBAR filings, 2) the filer's knowledge of the filing requirements and 3) filing compliance status at the date of the referral (this must also be documented in the workpapers); Omit items 3 (Tax Return Information) and 4 (Administrative Information); and Attach a copy of Form 13535, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Related Statute Memorandum, if secured. See IRM 25.1.12.7(3), Joint Title 26 - Title 31 Criminal Referral Disclosure Concern, for important information regarding disclosure concerns. SB/SE Examination - Specialty, BSA only: At the same time the referral package is sent to Criminal Investigation (CI), IRS is required by a Memorandum of Understanding to provide FinCEN a copy of the portion of the referral package to CI that is related to BSA violations or deficiencies. See IRM 25.1.12.7, Joint Title 26 - Title 31 Criminal Referral Disclosure Concern, for more information and procedures. See IRM 25.1.3, Fraud Handbook, Criminal Referrals, for detailed instructions concerning the processing of Form 2797. If a related tax case warrants a criminal referral per IRM 25.1.3, the examiner will: Prepare a separate Form 2797 for the tax case, Submit separate tax and FBAR referrals to CI concurrently, if possible, and Follow procedures established for criminal referrals in IRM 25.1.3.

Criminal FBAR Referral Evaluation

4.26.17.5.3.3 (12-11-2019) Criminal FBAR Referral Evaluation CI will evaluate the criminal FBAR referral following the general principles and procedures of IRM 25.1.3.4, Referral Evaluation, adapted as appropriate for FBARs.

Declined Criminal FBAR Referrals

4.26.17.5.3.4 (12-11-2019) Declined Criminal FBAR Referrals If the referral of the FBAR case to Criminal Investigation is declined, the general principles and procedures of IRM 25.1.3.6, Declined Criminal Referrals, adapted as appropriate for FBARs, apply. Additionally, the examiner will: Place the transmittal memorandum that indicates declination in the retained FBAR file, and Commence any appropriate civil FBAR penalty action in accordance with IRM 4.26.16, Bank Secrecy Act, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR), and this IRM. If no civil penalty action is appropriate, the examiner will follow applicable closing procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4.

Accepted Criminal FBAR Referrals

4.26.17.5.3.5 (12-11-2019) Accepted Criminal FBAR Referrals If the referral of the FBAR case to Criminal Investigation is accepted, follow the general principles and procedures of IRM 25.1.3.5, Accepted Criminal Referrals, IRM 25.1.4, Administrative Joint Investigation, and IRM 25.1.5, Fraud Handbook - Grand Jury Investigations. However, they must be adapted for FBAR matters, due to distinct differences between Title 26 and Title 31, including but not limited to the following: FBAR information is not available on AIMS. Therefore, no FBAR accounts or modules are available on which to place TC 914 controls. Other than a filer's consent to extend the SOL, there are no statutory exceptions, including fraud or willfulness, for FBAR SOLs. See IRM 4.26.17.5.3 for more information and IRM 4.26.17.5.3.5.1 for FBAR statute protection procedures in joint investigations. Additionally, the examiner will: Retain the transmittal memorandum that indicates acceptance in the FBAR file, Complete Form 13536, Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Report Monitoring Document (FMD), showing CI acceptance; Email the FMD to CTR Operations so that the FBAR database can be updated. Retain the FMD in the FBAR case file, and Note: The case file is not sent to CTR Operations at this point. Keep the physical FBAR case file. Continue to work the civil FBAR examination as a joint investigation in accordance with IRM 25.1.4, Administrative Joint Investigation, and IRM 25.1.5 all adapted as appropriate for FBAR matters. Note: Suspense applies to FBAR cases. See IRM 4.26.17.5.3.5.2 for more information. CTR Operations will enter the information from the FMD to the FBAR database. Criminal Investigation will cooperate in discussing statute problems with the examiner and manager.

FBAR Statute Protection in Joint Investigations

4.26.17.5.3.5.1 (12-11-2019) FBAR Statute Protection in Joint Investigations Compliance employees are responsible for monitoring all civil SOLs during joint investigations, including prior and subsequent years, and related tax returns under examination and/or collection activity. This section will discuss statute protection during joint investigations only with respect to FBAR (Title 31) investigations. See IRM 25.1.4.4.9, Statute Protection, for statute protection procedures and information with respect to Title 26 joint investigations. The two-year FBAR statute of limitations on civil action does not begin to run until the FBAR penalty is assessed. See IRM 4.26.17.3.1.2, FBAR Statute of Limitations on Civil Action, and IRM 4.26.17.4.4 for more information. The six-year FBAR assessment statute of limitations begins to run on the due date of the FBAR. See IRM 4.26.17.3.1 for more information. Periodically, examiners must check BSA Search and inquire with CI to determine if any delinquent or amended FBARs have been filed. In failure-to-file cases, if CI comes into possession of any document that could be considered a filed FBAR, CI must notify the examiner. Examiners should protect all SOLs for the years that are under investigation, particularly the most imminent SOL, if there are multiple years under examination. If the filer refuses to extend the period for assessment, no statutory exceptions to the assessment SOL exist. See IRM 4.26.17.5.3 for more information. When fewer than 210 days remain on the SOL for assessment, the examiner should complete Form 10498-B, Joint Investigations Intent to Solicit Consent to Extend Statute, adapted as appropriate for FBAR matters, to request CI's permission to 1) solicit the filer's consent to extend the statutory period for assessment or 2) assess an FBAR penalty prior to the expiration of the assessment statute of limitations. Distinct differences to note between Title 26 and FBAR regarding Form 10498-B, are FBAR penalties are not subject to deficiency procedures; thus, statutory notices of deficiency are not applicable to FBAR penalties. Exceptions to the income tax assessment statute of limitations, such as fraud or substantial omission of items, do not apply to FBARs. Procedures to complete and process Form 10498-B in FBAR cases are as follows: Examiner should modify Form 10498-B or otherwise make it clear to CI that the examiner is requesting advice regarding the Title 31 civil FBAR penalty, If necessary, provide an explanation to CI regarding differences between income tax and FBAR cases as they pertain to CI's evaluation of this intent to commence civil action, The completed Form 10498-B is sent by the Compliance group manager to the Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) via Microsoft Outlook Secure Messaging, CI must accept or decline the request within 10 workdays after receipt of Form 10498-B, The SSA indicates the desired action by checking the appropriate boxes on the form, The SSA forwards the form to the Special Agent-in-Charge (SAC) via Microsoft Outlook Secure Messaging, The SAC indicates approval by entering his/her signature and date, The SAC forwards the completed form to the Compliance Authorizing Official, generally the TM or equivalent, via Microsoft Outlook Secure Messaging, The TM or equivalent indicates approval by entering a signature, title and date, and The TM or equivalent forwards the approved form to the Compliance group manager via Microsoft Outlook Secure Messaging. If CI approves the request to solicit the filer's consent to extend the period for assessment, the examiner will follow FBAR statute waiver solicitation procedures in IRM 4.26.17.3.1.3. The examiner will document solicitation of the consent on Examiner's Activity Record, and on Form 895, Notice of Statute Expiration; see IRM 25.6.23.5.2, Completion of Form 895 by Area Office Examiner or Specialist. CI should be informed of the results of the consent solicitation and this action should be documented in the case history. Any subsequent inquiries from the filer should be referred to the SA assigned to the case. If CI approves the decision to assess an FBAR penalty, the examiner will consult with the group manager, operating division FBAR coordinator and Counsel, if needed, to determine the next steps. If a consent to extend the period for assessment is not secured, and the SAC does not approve assessment of an FBAR penalty, a decision must be made whether to allow the six-year period for assessment to expire. This decision must be approved by the TM or equivalent and documented in the case file and on Form 895. The decision to allow expiration of the six-year period for assessment will be documented on Form 10498-B with signatures of the TM or equivalent and the SAC. The executed Form 10498-B is attached to the applicable FBAR. Update the assessment statute of limitations using the CC alpha code. If agreement cannot be reached, the Compliance Area Director or equivalent and the CI Director of Field Operations will decide. If an agreement is still not reached, the issue will be elevated to the operating division commissioner and Chief, CI for resolution.

FBAR Suspense in Joint Investigations

4.26.17.5.3.5.2 (12-11-2019) FBAR Suspense in Joint Investigations The concept of suspense in IRM 25.1.4.4.12, Fraud Suspense, and IRM 25.1.5.3, Grand Jury Suspense, applies to FBAR cases, requiring examiners to suspend all civil FBAR examination activity when a joint investigation advances to one of the following points. The joint investigation is completed, and CI recommends criminal prosecution (Fraud Suspense), or The existing administrative criminal investigation, either with or without an assigned cooperating compliance employee, becomes an approved Grand Jury investigation (Grand Jury Suspense). If civil examination activity is required to protect the government's interest before the criminal case can be resolved, such as when there is a short civil statute, CI must approve of the civil activity, which is typically limited to solicitation of a consent to extend the SOL or making an assessment. Refer to IRM 4.26.17.5.3.5.1 for procedures to solicit CI's approval. A report of all known and supportable adjustments and penalties is required to be prepared at the suspense point and included in the case file; it is not issued to the taxpayer. This report is prepared based on all non-Grand Jury evidence gathered through the point suspense is required, even though civil development may not yet be completed. Based on IRM 4.8.2.11.3(3), Fraud and Grand Jury Suspense, while a civil FBAR case is suspended, the function holding the case is responsible for the following: Reviewing and determining whether suspended cases meet suspense criteria in paragraph (1), Suspending the case, or, if needed, returning it to the examiner if it does not meet the suspense requirements, Verifying or determining the correct statute and monitoring the statute of limitations for each return / period in suspense, Protecting the statute of limitations on assessment for all cases in suspense. Refer to IRM 4.26.17.5.3.5.1, Coordinating with area counsel and Criminal Investigation (CI) on issues that arise on cases that are in suspense, Ensuring that status checks are performed every six months. Refer to IRM 4.8.11.4.1, Six Month (180 day) Status Checks - All Suspense Cases, as applicable, Ensuring that a penalty assessment is made for cases in suspense when determined appropriate with concurrence from CI, Examination, and area counsel. Refer to IRM 4.26.17.5.3.5.1, and Ensure cases are released from suspense when appropriate. See IRM 4.26.17.5.3.6 for more information. Procedures to properly suspend and monitor FBAR cases in accordance with these guidelines are the responsibility of the group manager and examiner. Suspense remains applicable until the criminal case is resolved.

FBAR Procedures after the Criminal Investigation

4.26.17.5.3.6 (12-11-2019) FBAR Procedures after the Criminal Investigation Criminal Investigation will advise the examiner through the Fraud Enforcement Advisor about the final disposition of the case. For criminal investigations that are discontinued at any point during the investigation, the general principles and procedures of IRM 25.1.4.4.10, Discontinued Investigation, adapted as appropriate for FBAR matters, apply. The function holding the civil FBAR case in suspense is responsible for releasing it from suspense for Exam to proceed with the civil case. Upon receipt of the civil FBAR case for resolution, the examiner will commence any appropriate civil FBAR action, following this IRM. If no civil action is appropriate, the examiner will follow applicable closing procedures in IRM 4.26.17.4.

Collateral Estoppel in FBAR Cases

4.26.17.5.3.7 (12-11-2019) Collateral Estoppel in FBAR Cases Under the doctrine of collateral estoppel, an issue already considered by a court cannot be re-litigated if that court has entered a final decision on the issue. See IRM 25.1.6.5, Collateral Estoppel, for further discussion of this doctrine. The elements of collateral estoppel are: Prior litigation with identical issue, Issue litigated in the first judicial proceeding, and the party against whom collateral estoppel is being asserted had a full and fair opportunity to litigate the issue in the first judicial proceeding, and Issue necessarily decided and rendered as a necessary part of the court's final judgment. The doctrine of collateral estoppel applies to criminal FBAR cases only under the following circumstances: The criminal case brought against an individual includes a charge of criminal failure to file an FBAR, The criminal case concludes with the individual being found guilty, after trial, of criminally failing to file an FBAR charge or pleading guilty to the criminal failure to file the FBAR charge, and The decision in the criminal case is final. In other words, all appeal rights must be exhausted or time to appeal must have expired. Collateral estoppel will only support a civil penalty for the same year of the guilty verdict/plea agreement and the same individual at issue in the criminal case. Although there is a different standard for criminal and civil failure to file an FBAR, and, therefore, one could say the issue is not identical, the showing required for a civil failure to file an FBAR is less than that needed for criminal failure to file, so the identical issue requirement is met. Collateral estoppel only establishes that the willful penalty is appropriate; the individual can still dispute whether the amount of the penalty proposed or assessed is proper under the statute.

Bankruptcy Procedures in FBAR Cases

4.26.17.5.4 (12-11-2019) Bankruptcy Procedures in FBAR Cases Bankruptcy may occur before or after assessment of an FBAR penalty. If the IRS examiner is notified or otherwise knows of a bankruptcy filing with respect to the person against whom an FBAR penalty is proposed but not assessed, the examiner will: Notify IRS local insolvency unit as soon as possible Send a copy of the first notice of bankruptcy to CTR Operations in accordance with Exhibit 4.26.17-2. Proceed with the examination but do not process an assessment. Assessments may not be made while the automatic stay is in place. Contact SB/SE Counsel Area FBAR Coordinators (see Exhibit 4.26.17-3). Counsel will work with DOJ to seek relief from the automatic stay to make an assessment. If the IRS examiner has reason to believe a person under FBAR examination has filed for bankruptcy, the examiner may contact local Counsel for assistance in determining whether the person has filed for bankruptcy. If the FBAR penalty has been assessed and the debtor reports it as a debt in the bankruptcy petition and schedules, clerks of bankruptcy courts will send notices to: U.S. Treasury Bureau of the Fiscal Service Hager Bldg., Suite 7B 25 West Oxmoor Road Birmingham, AL 35029 The Bureau of the Fiscal Service will forward bankruptcy notices to CTR Operations. CTR Operations will provide bankruptcy account information to the FBAR Penalty Insolvency Bankruptcy Specialist in the appropriate insolvency territory. In bankruptcy cases without an FBAR penalty assessment, the territory insolvency specialist will determine if a proof of claim is warranted and, if so, prepare and mail a proof of claim. Bureau of the Fiscal Service and the IRS insolvency unit will handle bankruptcy cases with an FBAR penalty assessment.

Acronyms

Exhibit 4.26.17-1 Acronyms The following is a table of acronyms used in this IRM and their definitions. Acronym Definition AIMS Audit Information Management System AJAC Appeals Judicial Approach and Culture BFS Bureau of the Fiscal Service BOD Business Operating Division BSA Bank Secrecy Act CBRS Currency Banking and Retrieval System CFR Code of Federal Regulations CI Criminal Investigation DOJ Department of Justice ERCS Examination Return Control System FBAR Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts FDR Formal Document Request FEA Fraud Enforcement Advisor FinCEN Financial Crimes Enforcement Network FMD FBAR Monitoring Document (Form 13536) GM Group Manager IDR Information Document Request IMS Issue Management System IRM Internal Revenue Manual MOI Memorandum of Interview MOU Memorandum of Understanding POA Power of Attorney RSM Related Statute Memorandum (Form 13535) SAR Suspicious Activity Report SOL Statute of Limitation TIN Taxpayer Identification Number TM Territory Manager UNAX Unauthorized Access

Contact Information for BSA Exam CTR Operations

Exhibit 4.26.17-2 Contact Information for BSA Exam CTR Operations 1) Email CTR Operations at their FBAR Penalty Coordinator mailbox. 2) Follow IRM 1.22.5.10, Acceptable Mail/Shipping Services, to determine the appropriate shipping method. 3) If mailing/shipping to CTR Operations via USPS, use the following address: Internal Revenue Service Attention: FBAR Coordinator P.O. Box 33115 Detroit, MI 48232-0115 4) If mailing/shipping to CTR Operations via a small package carrier, such as UPS, use the following address: Internal Revenue Service Attention: FBAR Coordinator 985 Michigan Ave, 8th Floor Detroit, MI 48226

FBAR Contacts by Operating Division

Exhibit 4.26.17-3 FBAR Contacts by Operating Division Each BOD has designated FBAR coordinators/analysts to assist examiners with FBAR issues. To identify appropriate contact(s) for any FBAR questions or to request assistance, visit the Servicewide FBAR Knowledge Base, click "Contact an Expert" , found on the right-hand side of Servicewide FBAR Knowledge Base Website.

FBAR Summons Language If Using Form 2039

Exhibit 4.26.17-4 FBAR Summons Language If Using Form 2039 "Produce, for the years [first year] to [last year], any and all records required to be maintained pursuant to 31 CFR 1010.420 relating to foreign financial accounts that you had/have a financial interest in, or signature authority over, including records reflecting the name in which each such account is maintained, the number or other designation of such account, the name and address of the foreign bank or other person with whom such account is maintained, the type of such account, and the maximum value of each such account during each specified year. Such accounts include, but are not necessarily limited to, accounts in the names of [list the names of the taxpayer and any other known entity names]" .

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Exhibit 4.26.17-5 ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡

Consent to Extend the Time to Assess Civil Penalties for FBAR Violations

Exhibit 4.26.17-6 Consent to Extend the Time to Assess Civil Penalties for FBAR Violations Page one of the Consent to Extend the Time to Assess Civil Penalties provided by 31 USC 5321, Records and Reports on Foreign Financial Agency Transactions, for FBAR Violations. This is an agreement between the IRS and the taxpayer to allow additional time to assess FBAR penalties. Please click here for the text description of the image.

Last amended: September 04, 2025

Source: official text

IRM 4.26.17 — Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) Procedures

# Part 4. Examining Process

# Program, Scope and Objectives

# Background

# Authority

# Roles and Responsibilities

# Program Management and Review

# Program Controls

# Acronyms

# Terms

# Related Resources

# Starting an FBAR Examination

# Starting an FBAR Examination Resulting from Title 26 – Related Statute Memorandum (RSM) Required

# Impact of an Related Statute Memorandum (RSM)

# Procedures to Obtain a Related Statute Memorandum (RSM)

# Procedures Following the Related Statute Memorandum (RSM)

# Starting an FBAR Examination Where No RSM is Required – SB/SE Specialty Examination, BSA Only

# Procedures to Control FBAR Examinations on ERCS – LB&I and SB/SE Only

# Preparing ERCS Control Requests

# Establishing Controls in ERCS

# Re-Establishing ERCS Controls

# FBAR Case File Assembly

# FBAR Case File Documents

# Other FBAR Case File Closing Documents

# FBAR Documents Outside of Case Folder

# FBAR Documents - CTR Operations

# Working the FBAR Examination

# FBAR Statute of Limitations

# FBAR Statute of Limitations on Assessments

# Using ERCS to Track and Monitor FBAR Statutes (SB/SE & LB&I)

# FBAR Statute of Limitations on Commencing Civil Action

# Extending the FBAR Statute of Limitations

# FBAR Statute of Limitations on Criminal Offenses

# Power of Attorney in FBAR Examinations

# FBAR Examination - Initial Contact

# Letter 6639

# Letter 6640

# Letter 6641

# FBAR Examination - Requesting Records

# Information Document Requests

# Formal Document Requests

# Summonses

# BSA Search

# FBAR Examination - Interview

# Penalty Application

# Preparing Form 13449

# General Preparation of Form 13449

# Account Information on Form 13449

# Required Coordination Due to Court Decisions

# Closing the FBAR Case

# Closing the FBAR Case - No Action

# Closing the FBAR Case - Warning Letter

# Closing the FBAR Case with Penalties

# Closing the FBAR Case with Penalties - Counsel Review

# Closing the FBAR Case with Penalties - Agreed

# Closing the FBAR Case Unagreed

# Closing the FBAR Case Appealed

# Closing the FBAR Case - Pre-Assessment Appeal

# Closing the FBAR Case - Post-Assessment Appeal

# Preparing Form 13448 (CTR Operations Only)

# Form 13448 for Only Non-Willful Reporting Violations

# Form 13448 for All Other Violations

# Closing the FBAR Case - Payment and Collection

# Instructions for Misposted FBAR Payments

# Closing ERCS Controls

# Electronic Processing When Ready to Close

# Submitting an Electronic Processing Package to CTR Operations

# CTR Operations: Processing the Electronic Packages

# After Submitting the Electronic Processing Package to CTR Operations

# Final Case Preparation When the Physical Case File is Ready to Ship

# FBAR Special Procedures

# Delinquent FBAR Procedures

# BSA Summons in FBAR Examinations

# BSA Summons Approval in FBAR Examinations

# BSA Summons Enforcement in FBAR Examinations

# Requesting BSA Summons Enforcement in FBAR Examinations

# Fraud Referrals in FBAR Examinations

# Criminal FBAR Violations

# Making a Criminal FBAR Referral

# Criminal FBAR Referral Evaluation

Part 4. Examining Process

Program, Scope and Objectives

Background

Authority

Roles and Responsibilities

Program Management and Review

Program Controls

Acronyms

Terms

Related Resources

Starting an FBAR Examination

Starting an FBAR Examination Resulting from Title 26 – Related Statute Memorandum (RSM) Required

Impact of an Related Statute Memorandum (RSM)

Procedures to Obtain a Related Statute Memorandum (RSM)

Procedures Following the Related Statute Memorandum (RSM)

Starting an FBAR Examination Where No RSM is Required – SB/SE Specialty Examination, BSA Only

Procedures to Control FBAR Examinations on ERCS – LB&I and SB/SE Only

Preparing ERCS Control Requests

Establishing Controls in ERCS

Re-Establishing ERCS Controls

FBAR Case File Assembly

FBAR Case File Documents

Other FBAR Case File Closing Documents

FBAR Documents Outside of Case Folder

FBAR Documents - CTR Operations

Working the FBAR Examination

FBAR Statute of Limitations

FBAR Statute of Limitations on Assessments

Using ERCS to Track and Monitor FBAR Statutes (SB/SE & LB&I)

FBAR Statute of Limitations on Commencing Civil Action

Extending the FBAR Statute of Limitations

FBAR Statute of Limitations on Criminal Offenses

Power of Attorney in FBAR Examinations

FBAR Examination - Initial Contact

Letter 6639

Letter 6640

Letter 6641

FBAR Examination - Requesting Records

Information Document Requests

Formal Document Requests

Summonses

BSA Search

FBAR Examination - Interview

Penalty Application

Preparing Form 13449

General Preparation of Form 13449

Account Information on Form 13449

Required Coordination Due to Court Decisions

Closing the FBAR Case

Closing the FBAR Case - No Action

Closing the FBAR Case - Warning Letter

Closing the FBAR Case with Penalties

Closing the FBAR Case with Penalties - Counsel Review

Closing the FBAR Case with Penalties - Agreed

Closing the FBAR Case Unagreed

Closing the FBAR Case Appealed

Closing the FBAR Case - Pre-Assessment Appeal

Closing the FBAR Case - Post-Assessment Appeal

Preparing Form 13448 (CTR Operations Only)

Form 13448 for Only Non-Willful Reporting Violations

Form 13448 for All Other Violations

Closing the FBAR Case - Payment and Collection

Instructions for Misposted FBAR Payments

Closing ERCS Controls

Electronic Processing When Ready to Close

Submitting an Electronic Processing Package to CTR Operations

CTR Operations: Processing the Electronic Packages

After Submitting the Electronic Processing Package to CTR Operations

Final Case Preparation When the Physical Case File is Ready to Ship

FBAR Special Procedures

Delinquent FBAR Procedures

BSA Summons in FBAR Examinations

BSA Summons Approval in FBAR Examinations

BSA Summons Enforcement in FBAR Examinations

Requesting BSA Summons Enforcement in FBAR Examinations

Fraud Referrals in FBAR Examinations

Criminal FBAR Violations

Making a Criminal FBAR Referral

Criminal FBAR Referral Evaluation

Declined Criminal FBAR Referrals