FBAR Direct prepares and files your FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) on your behalf. You are responsible for reviewing all information for accuracy before submission to FinCEN. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. It does not address domestic tax return obligations or other federal forms.

How to Amend FBAR Filing: Correct a Previously Filed Report

If you filed an FBAR and later discover an error, you can file an amended FBAR to correct it. FinCEN allows taxpayers to amend a previously filed Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts FBAR. The process uses the same BSA E-Filing system as the original. You do not need to contact the IRS or request permission. Open a new FinCEN Form 114, check the amended box, enter the prior BSA Identifier number, and submit the corrected data.

Filers worry that amending an FBAR will trigger an audit or penalties. However, the IRS views voluntary corrections favorably. Filing an amended report shows good faith and a willingness to report foreign bank and financial accounts accurately. Therefore, any US person who finds an error on a prior report should correct it. This guide walks through when you need to amend, how to file an amended FBAR step by step, and what to expect after you submit.

When Should You Amend a Previously Filed FBAR?

You should file an amended FBAR whenever the original report has wrong or incomplete data. For example, the FBAR instructions from FinCEN state that a US person who filed an FBAR with errors must file a corrected report. If the submitted form has mistakes, you need to fix them. Common reasons to amend include:

Wrong account values: You listed a maximum account value that was too high or too low. This often happens when filers use the wrong exchange rate on the conversion date or due to a math error. See how to calculate maximum account value for FBAR and FBAR exchange rates for proper methods.
Missing accounts: You forgot to report one or more foreign financial accounts. Taxpayers who hold accounts at several banks or in multiple countries sometimes miss an account during the year.
Wrong calendar year: You filed for the wrong reporting period. For example, you put 2024 accounts on a 2023 form or vice versa.
Wrong account type: You listed a savings account as a checking account, or you did not classify a foreign financial account such as a brokerage, pension, or insurance policy with cash value.
Name or TIN errors: You typed the wrong name, Social Security number, or ITIN on the original filing. Typos in the account number field also require an amendment.
Wrong bank details: You entered the wrong bank name, address, or country for a foreign financial account reported on the form.

If you're not sure whether your error needs an amendment, the general rule is simple: if any data on the filed FBAR doesn't match reality, you should amend it.

How to Amend FBAR Filing: Step-by-Step Process

To amend FBAR filing errors, you must file a new FinCEN Form 114 through the BSA E-Filing system at bsaefiling.fincen.gov. You don't edit the old report. Instead, you open a new form, check the amended box, enter the prior BSA Identifier, and submit the corrected data. The process uses the same electronic filing system as the original. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Locate Your BSA Identifier Number

First, find the BSA Identifier number from your original filing before you begin. The BSA E-Filing system assigns this number when you successfully submit an FBAR. You'll find it in the acknowledgement email from the original filing. The BSA Identifier is a numeric code that links the amended FBAR to the original report. If you can't locate it, contact the BSA E-Filing help desk at 1-866-346-9478.

Step 2: Open a New FinCEN Form 114

Log into the BSA E-Filing system website and open a new FinCEN Form 114. You don't edit the original form. Instead, you fill out a new FBAR with all the corrected data. The BSA filing system treats each submission as a separate report, so you must enter all account data again — not just the fields that changed.

Step 3: Check the Amended Box

Next, on the form, mark the "Amend" checkbox (also called the amended box). This tells FinCEN that your filing corrects a previously filed FBAR rather than creating a new original report. You will find the checkbox in Part I of the form.

Step 4: Enter the Prior BSA Identifier

Enter the BSA Identifier number from your original filing in the designated field. This number links the amended FBAR to the prior report in the FinCEN system. If you filed multiple FBARs for different years and need to amend more than one, each amended filing requires its own prior BSA Identifier.

Step 5: Fill In All Corrected Information

Then, fill out the entire form with the corrected data. List every foreign financial account you need to report for that calendar year — not just the accounts that had errors. You must include all foreign bank and financial accounts. FBAR amendments replace the original in FinCEN's records, so the form must be complete. Double-check all account values, account numbers, bank names, and personal details.

Step 6: Explain the Reason for the Amendment

Additionally, the form provides a field where you can explain the reason for filing the amended report. Be clear and specific. For example: "Corrected maximum account value for Account #1234 at HSBC UK due to exchange rate error" or "Added previously unreported savings account at Deutsche Bank." This note helps FinCEN understand the nature of the correction.

Step 7: Sign and Submit

Finally, sign the form and submit it through the BSA E-Filing system. You'll get an acknowledgement email to confirm that FinCEN received the amended FBAR. Save this email along with a PDF copy of the submitted form for your records. Likewise, you should keep the PDF of the original filing for comparison.

What Information Do You Need to Amend?

Before you amend FBAR filing data, gather several items. First, you need the BSA Identifier number from your original submission and a PDF copy of the prior report. Second, gather corrected account values from your foreign bank statements and the Treasury Department exchange rate for the last day of the calendar year. You also need your SSN, ITIN, or EIN and all account numbers. Having these items ready speeds up the process. Here is the full checklist:

Item	Where to Find It	Why You Need It
BSA Identifier number	Acknowledgement email from original filing	Links the amended FBAR to the prior report
Original filing PDF	BSA E-Filing system or your records	Reference for what needs to be corrected
Corrected account values	Foreign bank statements	Enter the accurate maximum value during the year
Treasury exchange rate	Treasury Reporting Rates	Convert foreign currency to USD with correct rate
Account numbers and bank details	Bank statements or online banking	Verify all account data is correct
SSN, ITIN, or EIN	Tax returns or IRS correspondence	Must match your records exactly

Does Amending an FBAR Trigger an Audit?

This is the question most filers ask, and the answer brings good news. Filing an amended FBAR does not automatically trigger an IRS audit. In fact, the IRS and FinCEN view voluntary corrections as a sign of good compliance. A person who spots an error and takes steps to correct it shows good faith.

The IRS does not penalize taxpayers for filing an amended FBAR to fix an honest mistake. Under 31 USC 5321(a)(5)(B)(ii), the government may waive penalties for reasonable cause when the violation was not willful. Filing an amended FBAR on your own supports a reasonable cause defense. It shows you acted once you learned of the error.

That said, amending an FBAR does not provide a shield if the IRS later finds the original filing was wrong on purpose. If the error involved unreported income, hidden accounts, or other willful violations, an amendment alone will not remove liability. For honest mistakes — wrong exchange rate, forgotten account, or a typo — amending is the right course of action and carries minimal risk.

Is There a Deadline to Amend an FBAR?

There is no explicit deadline for filing an amended FBAR. FinCEN does not impose a separate due date for amendments the way the IRS sets deadlines for amended federal income tax returns. Nevertheless, you should file the amended FBAR as soon as possible after finding the error.

For best results, file before the October 15 automatic extension deadline for the relevant calendar year. If you find the error years later, you can still file an amended FBAR. The BSA E-Filing system accepts amendments at any time for previously filed FBARs.

Keep in mind that the IRS has a six-year statute of limitations for FBAR civil penalties under 31 USC 5321(b)(1). Criminal penalties under 31 USC 5322 have a five-year statute of limitations. Amending within these periods is key if your original error could otherwise be viewed as a violation.

Common Mistakes When You Amend FBAR Filing

The most frequent mistakes when you amend FBAR filing data include forgetting to check the amended box, not entering the prior BSA Identifier, and only listing corrected accounts instead of all accounts for the year. To ensure FinCEN processes your correction, avoid these common pitfalls:

Forgetting to check the amended box: If you don't mark the form as an amendment, FinCEN treats it as a new original filing. This creates a duplicate rather than a correction.
Not entering the prior BSA Identifier: Without the BSA Identifier number, FinCEN can't link the amended FBAR to the original report. The correction won't replace the prior filing.
Only listing corrected accounts: The amended FBAR must list all foreign financial accounts for the year, not just the ones with errors. If you leave out accounts that were correctly reported on the original, you create new omissions.
Using the wrong exchange rate: When you correct account values, use the Treasury Department exchange rate for the last day of the calendar year you're reporting. See FBAR exchange rates.
Filing a paper form: FinCEN requires all individuals to file the FBAR electronically. You can't submit a paper amendment. All filings — original and amended — must go through the BSA E-Filing system.

Amending vs. Filing Late: What Is the Difference?

An amended FBAR corrects data on a report you already filed. In contrast, a late FBAR is an original report sent after the filing deadline. These are different situations with different outcomes.

Scenario	What to File	Potential Penalties
Filed on time but with errors	Amended FBAR (check "Amend" box)	Generally none for honest corrections
Never filed at all	Late FBAR (original filing, filed late)	Penalties may apply under 31 USC 5321
Filed on time, then discovered missing accounts	Amended FBAR adding the accounts	Penalty risk depends on circumstances
Never knew about FBAR requirement	Consider IRS compliance programs	See penalties guide

On the other hand, if you never chose to file an FBAR and are past the deadline, you are not amending — you are filing late. The IRS offers several compliance programs for late filed FBARs, including the Delinquent FBAR Submission Procedures and the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures. Each program has its own requirements, so learn which option fits your situation. If you have questions about which program to use, a qualified tax professional can help. See FBAR filing deadline 2026 for current due dates.

What Happens After You Submit an Amended FBAR?

After you electronically file the amended FBAR through the BSA filing system, FinCEN processes the submission and sends you an acknowledgement email with a new BSA Identifier. In most cases, the amended report replaces the original in FinCEN's records, and no further action is needed. Here is what to expect in more detail:

Acknowledgement: You get an email to confirm receipt. Save this email. It has a new BSA Identifier for the amended filing.
Processing: FinCEN reviews the amended report. In most cases, the amended FBAR replaces the original in their records. You don't need to take further action.
No automatic IRS contact: Filing an amended FBAR doesn't generate IRS correspondence on its own. The IRS won't contact you just because you corrected a previously filed report.
Record retention: Under section 31 CFR 1010.306, keep both the original and amended FBAR records for at least six years from the due date of the report. Save the acknowledgement emails, PDF copies of both forms, and supporting bank statements. This documentation is necessary if the IRS has questions about your filing later.

Do Penalties Apply for Amending?

No penalties apply for amending a previously filed FBAR. In fact, you already filed — you are fixing errors. The IRS does not penalize honest corrections. Civil and criminal penalties under 31 USC 5321 and 31 USC 5322 target failures to file or willful violations, not amendments.

Consequently, the penalty structure for FBAR violations is severe. Non-willful penalties reach $16,117 per violation. Willful penalties reach $100,000 or 50% of the account balance. Criminal penalties run up to $250,000 and five years in prison. These penalties apply to any US person — citizen, resident, or green card holder. On the other hand, the penalties target people who fail to file or hide foreign accounts on purpose. Amending a filed FBAR to correct an error is the opposite of concealment. It shows compliance.

For first-time filers who want to understand the broader FBAR requirements before filing or amending, see our first-time filer guide.

What Are the Key Takeaways for Amending an FBAR?

Here are the key takeaways for amending an FBAR filing. You can file an amended FBAR at any time through the BSA E-Filing system, and the IRS does not penalize honest corrections of previously filed reports.

You can file an amended FBAR at any time through the BSA E-Filing system
Mark the amended box and enter the prior BSA Identifier to link the correction
Include all foreign bank and financial accounts for the year, not just corrected ones
Amending an honest mistake does not trigger an IRS audit or penalties
There is no set deadline, but amend as soon as possible after finding an error
The IRS views voluntary corrections as a sign of reasonable cause
Keep PDF copies of both the original and amended FBAR for at least six years

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the most frequently asked questions about how to amend FBAR filing errors, including deadlines, the BSA Identifier, audit risk, and what happens after you submit your corrected report.

How do I amend a previously filed FBAR?

Log into the BSA E-Filing system at bsaefiling.fincen.gov, open a new FinCEN Form 114, check the "Amend" box, and enter the BSA Identifier number from your original filing. Fill out the entire form with corrected data, explain the reason for the amendment, sign, and submit. You'll get an acknowledgement email once FinCEN processes the amended FBAR.

Will amending my FBAR trigger an IRS audit?

No. Filing an amended FBAR doesn't automatically trigger an IRS audit. The IRS views voluntary corrections favorably. A person who spots an error and files an amended report shows good faith and compliance. Penalties apply to failures to file and willful violations, not to honest corrections of previously filed FBARs.

Is there a time limit to amend an FBAR?

There is no set deadline for amending an FBAR. The BSA E-Filing system accepts amendments at any time for previously filed reports. However, you should file the amended FBAR as soon as possible. The IRS has a six-year statute of limitations for civil penalties under 31 USC 5321(b)(1) and a five-year period for criminal penalties under 31 USC 5322.

What is the BSA Identifier number and where do I find it?

The BSA Identifier is a unique number the BSA E-Filing system assigns when you successfully submit an FBAR. You'll find it in the acknowledgement email sent to the email address you used during the original filing. If you can't locate the BSA Identifier, contact the BSA E-Filing help desk at 1-866-346-9478.

Can I amend an FBAR if I used the wrong exchange rate?

Yes. A wrong account value due to a bad exchange rate is one of the most common reasons to file an amended FBAR. Use the Treasury Department exchange rate for the last day of the calendar year you're reporting. See FBAR exchange rates for detailed steps.

Do I need to report all accounts on the amended FBAR or just the corrected ones?

You must report all foreign financial accounts for the calendar year on the amended FBAR. The amended filing replaces the original in FinCEN's records. If you only list the corrected accounts and leave out others that were already on the original, you create new omissions. List every foreign financial account, even those with no changes.

What if I never filed an FBAR at all — should I file an amended report?

No. If you never filed an FBAR, you can't amend because there is no original filing to correct. You need to file an FBAR as an original report, which may be late depending on the due date. The IRS offers compliance programs for individuals who missed past filings. See FBAR penalties and FBAR filing deadline 2026.

Can someone else file an amended FBAR on my behalf?

Yes. A third party can file an amended FBAR on your behalf if they have proper authorization. FBAR Direct is a FinCEN-registered institution (TCC: PBSA8180) that can prepare and submit both original and amended FBARs. You review the form and approve before we file to FinCEN on your behalf.

Let FBAR Direct Handle Your Amendment

Amending an FBAR means gathering your original filing details, finding your BSA Identifier, converting account values using Treasury exchange rates, and filling out a new FinCEN Form 114 with corrected data. If you don't want to navigate the BSA E-Filing system yourself, FBAR Direct can handle it.

Let FBAR Direct prepare your amended filing — upload your bank statements and we take care of conversion, form preparation, and submission to FinCEN. See how it works.

Tax regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements at IRS.gov or FinCEN.gov. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified tax professional. This article is current as of March 24, 2026.