FBAR - Possible Criminal Charges
According to IRS FAQ (#14) of May 6, 2009, Taxpayers who do not report income from foreign bank/financial accounts or file FBAR’s face up to 19 years in jail:
What are some of the criminal charges I might face if I don’t come in under voluntary disclosure and the IRS finds me?
Possible criminal charges related to tax returns include tax evasion (26 U.S.C. § 7201), filing a false return (26 U.S.C. § 7206(1)) and failure to file an income tax return (26 U.S.C. § 7203). The failure to file an FBAR and the filing of a false FBAR are both violations that are subject to criminal penalties under 31 U.S.C.§ 5322.
A person convicted of tax evasion is subject to a prison term of up to five years and a fine of up to $250,000. Filing a false return subjects a person to a prison term of up to three years and a fine of up to $250,000. A person who fails to file a tax return is subject to a prison term of up to one year and a fine of up to $100,000. Failing to file an FBAR subjects a person to a prison term of up to ten years and criminal penalties of up to $500,000.





