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FFATCA HQ

Preparation checklist

Organize the FATCA facts before you organize the files.

A strong preparation record begins with an inventory. Use this checklist privately to identify what exists; send actual records only through the secure channel provided after an engagement is established.

Last reviewed September 5, 2026

Taxpayer and filing context

  • Tax year or years involved.
  • Federal filing status for each year.
  • Country or countries of residence and relevant move dates.
  • Prior-year federal returns and international information returns.
  • Any IRS or FinCEN notice number and response date.

Foreign accounts and investments

  • Institution, country, account type, owners, and currencies.
  • Statements covering the full calendar year.
  • Highest value during the year and value at year end.
  • Interest, dividends, sales, gains, losses, fees, and taxes paid.
  • Acquisition, disposition, opening, or closure dates.

Pensions, entities, trusts, and contracts

  • Plan or policy terms and annual statements.
  • Entity formation, ownership, and financial records.
  • Trust or estate instruments and distribution records.
  • Insurance or annuity cash-value information.
  • Related U.S. forms prepared in prior years.

Keep sensitive records out of the inquiry form

Do not submit Social Security numbers, taxpayer identification numbers, account numbers, passwords, tax returns, bank statements, financial statements, or identity documents through Web3Forms. The public form is only for a non-sensitive description of the matter.

Secure document instructions are provided only after fit, scope, and engagement steps are completed.

Primary sources