OVDP Is Not The Only Option For Us Taxpayers With Undisclosed Foreign Bank Accounts!

With the implementation of FATCA and the ongoing efforts of the IRS and the Department of Justice to ensure compliance by those with U.S. tax obligations have raised awareness of U.S. tax and information reporting obligations with respect to non-U.S. investments.

Whether a U.S. taxpayer with noncompliant offshore holdings should pursue the formal OVDP or should file remedial returns under the IRS voluntary disclosure practice is an issue that requires considerable professional judgment by the tax practitioner, particularly on the issue of ‘‘Willfulness.’’  

This judgment must take into account all facts and circumstances, including all items of evidence, whether in the form of banking or tax-related documentation, third-party statements, or the taxpayer’s own statements.

Because the circumstances of taxpayers with non-U.S. investments vary widely, the IRS offers the following 4 options for addressing previous failures to comply with U.S. tax and information return obligations with respect to those investments:

1. Voluntary Disclosure
2. Streamlined Disclosure - Non-Resident Taxpayer and Resident U.S. Taxpayer
3. Delinquent FBAR Submissions Procedures
4. Delinquent International Information Return Submissions Procedures

There are also 5 other options that some taxpayers may consider, which are not as advantageous as the 4 discussed above:

1. Filing a Noisy Disclosure
2. Filing a Quiet Disclosure
3. Prospective Compliance
4. Do Nothing
5. Expatriation

Every taxpayer's case is different, and a number of issues often arise in each case. One such issue is how many years the taxpayer must correct. In many cases, practitioners recommend going back six years, as that is the statute of limitations for criminal tax prosecutions in the US. In other cases, for a variety of reasons, a taxpayer may correct filings for fewer years.

Don't bury your head in the sand hoping your tax problems will go away! Take action NOW while you still have options!


It would behoove taxpayers worldwide, to review their tax-related structures, accounts and holdings, to ascertain whether it would make sense to consider a voluntary disclosure. This is especially the case for valued company management who may have undeclared assets in tax haven countries and for families and individuals about secret accounts or offshore business structures, which may be perceived as abusive.

Prudent Action NOW Could Pre-Empt

Potentially Serious Legal Trouble Down the Road!

 

Want to Know if the OVDP Program is Right for You?

 

Contact the Tax Lawyers at 

Marini& Associates, P.A.  

 

for a FREE Tax Consultation

at: www.TaxAid.com or www.TaxLaw.ms

or www.OVDPLaw.com

or Toll Free at 888-8TaxAid (888) 882-9243