US·UK Accountants

Glossary · Reporting

Form 8938

Form 8938 is the IRS form used to report specified foreign financial assets under FATCA. It is filed with your tax return when your foreign assets exceed thresholds that depend on your filing status and whether you live abroad.

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By Sam H., Founder & Lead Advisor

Reviewed by Katie M.

Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets

In more detail

Form 8938 captures a broader range of assets than the FBAR — not just accounts, but also directly held foreign stock, partnership interests, and similar. For Americans abroad the thresholds are broadly $200,000 (single, year-end) or $300,000 (single, any time), and $400,000 / $600,000 for married couples filing jointly. It is filed with your annual Form 1040, unlike the FBAR which goes to FinCEN. Some assets must be reported on both.

Related terms

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