In January 2012, the IRS announced a new Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program (OVDP) available to taxpayers with undisclosed foreign assets. The 2012 OVDP is similar to the IRS’ 2009 OVDP and 2011 OVDI, but the 2012 OVDP is (for the time being) open-ended. The 2012 OVDP is designed to allow taxpayers to come clean with the certainty that they will not face criminal prosecution for not previously disclosing their overseas accounts. Taxpayers have the added benefit of receiving a fixed penalty structure for settlement of past non-compliance.
In order to enter into the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program, taxpayers must:
- Provide copies of previously filed original (and, if applicable, previously filed amended) federal income tax returns for tax years covered by the voluntary disclosure;
- Provide complete and accurate amended federal income tax returns for all tax years covered by the voluntary disclosure;
- File complete and accurate original or amended offshore-related information returns, including Form TD F 90-22.1 (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts, commonly known as an “FBAR”) for tax years covered by the voluntary disclosure; and
- Cooperate in the voluntary disclosure process, including providing information on offshore financial accounts, institutions and facilitators, and signing agreements to extend the period of time for assessing liabilities and FBAR penalties;
In exchange for their voluntary compliance and information exchange, taxpayers will be assessed a miscellaneous penalty in lieu of all other penalties that may apply to their undisclosed foreign assets and entities, such as FBAR and offshore-related information return penalties and tax liabilities. Generally speaking, the miscellaneous penalty is equal to 27.5% of the highest aggregate balance in all foreign bank accounts (or foreign assets) during the period covered by the voluntary disclosure. Additional penalties on the taxpayer’s unreported income during the disclosure period may also apply, as well as penalties for failure to file a tax return or pay tax due, if applicable.
If you have offshore bank accounts or assets, schedule a consultation with the experienced attorneys at EPGDLaw today, located in beautiful Coral Gables. Call us at (786) 837-6787 or e-mail us to schedule a consultation.
