Form 8938 2016

What is the Form 8938

The Form 8938, officially known as the Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets, is a tax form required by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for certain U.S. taxpayers. This form is used to report specified foreign financial assets if the total value exceeds certain thresholds. Taxpayers must disclose various types of assets, including foreign bank accounts, stocks, and other financial instruments held outside the United States. The purpose of the form is to ensure compliance with U.S. tax laws and to combat tax evasion through foreign financial accounts.

How to use the Form 8938

Using the Form 8938 involves several steps to ensure accurate reporting of foreign financial assets. Taxpayers must first determine their filing requirement based on their total asset values. Once the requirement is established, individuals should gather necessary information about their foreign assets, including account numbers, financial institutions, and the maximum value of each asset during the reporting year. After compiling this information, taxpayers can fill out the form, ensuring they provide accurate and complete details to avoid penalties.

Steps to complete the Form 8938

Completing the Form 8938 involves a systematic approach to ensure all required information is reported correctly. Here are the key steps:

• Determine if you are required to file based on your asset thresholds.
• Gather information about your specified foreign financial assets.
• Fill out the form, including personal information and details about each asset.
• Review the completed form for accuracy and completeness.
• Submit the form with your annual tax return.

Legal use of the Form 8938

The legal use of the Form 8938 is governed by U.S. tax laws, specifically the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). This form must be filed by U.S. taxpayers who meet the asset thresholds, ensuring compliance with IRS regulations. Failure to file can result in significant penalties, including fines and interest on unpaid taxes. It is crucial for taxpayers to understand their obligations under FATCA and ensure that they use the form correctly to report their foreign financial assets.

Filing Deadlines / Important Dates

Filing deadlines for the Form 8938 align with the annual tax return due date. Typically, this means the form is due on April 15 for most taxpayers. However, if you file for an extension, you may have until October 15 to submit your tax return and Form 8938. It is important to keep track of these dates to avoid late filing penalties and ensure compliance with IRS regulations.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with the filing requirements of Form 8938 can lead to severe penalties. The IRS imposes a penalty of $10,000 for failing to file the form when required. Additionally, if the failure continues for more than 90 days after the IRS sends a notice, an additional penalty of $10,000 may apply for each 30-day period of non-compliance. In extreme cases, the IRS may impose a penalty of up to 40% of the underreported tax liability, emphasizing the importance of timely and accurate filing.