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ClearFBAR by TotallyNomad

Do I likely need to file an FBAR?

A cautious, plain-English screening tool for Americans abroad with foreign financial accounts. It is built for validation only: no account storage, no exact balances, and no filing or submission.

Start the check Official sources
Safe-screening guardrails
Educational only, not tax or legal advice.
No account numbers, bank names, or exact balances.
No filing, submission, or document preparation.
Results point you back to IRS and FinCEN sources.

FBAR screening flow

Seven broad questions. Keep your answers general.

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1. Are you a U.S. person?
2. Did you have a foreign financial account or signature/other authority?
3. Which account types were involved?

If you answered no to question 2, you can leave this blank.

4. Was the highest aggregate value over $10,000 at any point in the year?
5. Did any foreign account produce no income?

Myth check: an account can still matter for FBAR screening even if it produced no income.

6. Were any accounts jointly owned with a spouse?
7. Any prior missed filing, notice, or penalty concern?

FBAR basics (the 60-second version)

What it is
FinCEN Form 114, the “FBAR,” is an annual report — not a tax. You file it separately from your tax return.
Who files
Any U.S. person whose foreign accounts combined topped $10,000 at any point in the year — even for one day, even if the accounts earned no income.
Deadline
April 15, with an automatic extension to October 15 (no form needed to get it).
Where
FinCEN’s BSA E-Filing System — not the IRS.
Penalties
Non-willful violations can run up to roughly $16,500 per violation; willful penalties are far higher. Filing is free — ignoring it is the expensive part.
FBAR vs. Form 8938 (FATCA)
Different forms, different agencies, much higher 8938 thresholds ($200,000+ at year-end / $300,000 at any point for single filers abroad). You may owe both. FBAR goes to FinCEN; Form 8938 goes to the IRS with your 1040.

Always confirm the current year’s rules and penalty amounts on the official IRS and FinCEN pages above before you act.

Important limits

ClearFBAR by TotallyNomad is educational only and is not tax or legal advice. It does not ask for account numbers, exact balances, or private financial records. It does not file, submit, or prepare an FBAR for you.

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Plain-English steps for Americans getting back on track with the IRS — Streamlined filing, FBAR, and Form 8938 in one checklist. No spam.

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