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FBAR HQ home

The FBAR HQ process

A clear path, with privacy boundaries at every step.

The public website collects only enough context to identify a sensible next step. Detailed financial records are handled privately after acceptance.

Written by Chip MorenoReviewed September 5, 2026. This page offers general information, not legal or tax advice.

  1. 01

    Send a non-sensitive inquiry

    Choose preparation, consultation, or unsure. Include only your country, reporting year, timing, approximate account count, and a short description.

    Never send account numbers, bank names, balances, IDs, statements, tax returns, or documents through the public form.

  2. 02

    Receive a personal fit-and-scope reply

    Chip reviews the broad facts and normally responds within one business day. The reply identifies whether standard preparation, a consultation, or a different professional appears more appropriate.

    An inquiry alone does not create an engagement or client relationship.

  3. 03

    Move detailed information to a private next step

    Only after the matter is accepted will instructions explain how to provide the information needed for the work. The public website does not accept uploads.

    Scope and pricing are confirmed before sensitive records are requested.

  4. 04

    Preparation and review

    For preparation engagements, the supplied information is organized and used to prepare the relevant FinCEN Form 114. You review the prepared filing and resolve open questions.

    You remain responsible for complete and accurate information.

  5. 05

    Authorization and electronic submission

    When another person submits your FBAR, FinCEN Form 114a records your authorization. After your review, the required authorization, and any applicable BSA E-Filing registration, the filing can be submitted electronically when that role is included in the engagement.

    Form 114a is retained rather than attached to the FBAR, and you remain legally responsible for the filing.

  6. 06

    Filing confirmation and recordkeeping

    You receive the filing confirmation for your records. Retain it with the information supporting the filing for the required period.

    The IRS says required FBAR records generally must be kept for five years from the FBAR due date.

What stays out of the public form

SSNs, tax-identification numbers, account numbers, bank names, exact balances, statements, tax returns, passport details, and documents. The form is an introductory channel, not a records system.

Read the Privacy Policy

Separate services

Preparation or consultation?

Straightforward, timely individual filings can request preparation directly. Late or amended filings, entity matters, more than 25 accounts, and uncertain facts begin with a consultation.

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Ready when you are

Begin with a safe, short inquiry.

No uploads and no financial identifiers. Just enough context for Chip to reply within one business day.

Start my inquiry