Will I actually have to pay any fines?
Summary
This depends on your situation. To start with, it’s important for some IRS programs to asses whether you’ve willfully or non-willfully failed to file tax.
This depends on your situation. To start with, it’s important for some IRS programs to asses whether you’ve willfully or non-willfully failed to file taxes.
Or whether your failure to comply is due to reasonable cause. However, there are different programs that don’t address intent. We advise that you have your specific situation assessed by an expert.
Am I an accidental American?
For accidental Americans — people who are US citizens without knowing it, and who therefore never knowingly ignored their filing obligation — the IRS offers a specific solution: an amnesty program such as the Streamlined Procedure. As long as the IRS has not yet contacted you about your backlog and you can demonstrate that your non-compliance was non-willful, you can still file your tax returns and FBARs through this program, usually without penalties.
Written by Michael Littaur
Co-founder
Michael Littaur, co-founder of Americans Overseas, discovered his U.S. tax liability only after selling his business. Together with Daan Durlacher, he founded Americans Overseas in 2014 to inform and support others with U.S. tax issues.
Read moreFrequently Asked Questions
Understanding the US tax system, the obligations, and all the additional terms can be difficult. Especially if one lives outside of America. Is your question not answered? Contact us.
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Will I actually have to pay any fines?
This depends on your situation. To start with, it's important for some IRS programs to assess whether you've willfully or non-willfully failed to file taxes. Or whether your failure to comply is due to reasonable cause. However, there are different programs that don't address intent. We advise that you have your specific situation assessed by an expert.
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Am I an accidental American and how can I avoid fines?
For accidental Americans — people who are US citizens without knowing it, and who therefore never knowingly ignored their filing obligation — the IRS offers a specific solution: an amnesty program such as the Streamlined Procedure. As long as the IRS has not yet contacted you about your backlog and you can demonstrate that your non-compliance was non-willful, you can still file your tax returns and FBARs through this program, usually without penalties.
