Errors

There are two types of FBAR e-file errors.

Fatal Error A fatal error is an error that prevents the e-file from being processed. A fatal error occurs when a required record is missing from the submitted file, or the number of records included in the e-file does not match the record count. FBAR e-files with fatal errors will be rejected by FinCEN and must be corrected before resubmitting. Our error checking should prevent FBARs from being submitted with fatal errors.

File Error A file error is an error in data entered in individual fields, or missing data from individual fields. A file error example would be a country field that is left blank. A file error does not prevent the FBAR from being accepted, but the FBAR must be corrected and refiled as an amended FBAR. FinCEN recommends that corrected FBARs be filed within 30 days after receiving the error acknowledgment.

Regarding foreign country: While the foreign country of the financial institution is a required entry, the Canadian Province or Mexican State is also a required entry, if applicable.

Corrected Reports

An FBAR will be rejected if it contains a fatal error. Filers must correct all fatal errors and resubmit. As a rejected FBAR has not been accepted by FinCEN, a resubmission is still considered an initial report. Do not indicate that a resubmission of a rejected FBAR is a corrected report unless it was originally filed as a corrected report.

An accepted FBAR having file errors should be corrected and resubmitted as an amended report. Select the Amended check box in Organizer, and enter a new signature date. The BSA Identifier number of the original submission in the transmission is included automatically.

E-file/fbar_gst_6.htm/TY2020

Last Modified: 03/20/2020

Last System Build: 09/13/2021