The Amnesty Path for Expats
If you are a US expat who has realized you are behind on your tax filings, the 'Streamlined Foreign Offshore Procedures' is your best path to compliance. This program is designed for taxpayers whose failure to report foreign assets and pay taxes was 'non-willful.' By filing three years of back taxes and six years of FBARs, you can often avoid the massive penalties that would otherwise apply. You must include a signed statement (Form 14653) certifying your non-willfulness. Visit the IRS Streamlined Procedures page for the full list of requirements.
Eligibility
You must not have been contacted by the IRS for an audit previously to be eligible for this program.
Proving 'Non-Willfulness' in 2026
The core of the Streamlined application is the narrative of non-willfulness. You must explain why you were unaware of your filing obligations (e.g., moved abroad young, misunderstood the treaty). The IRS defines non-willful as conduct that is due to negligence, inadvertence, or mistake. LSI keywords include 'Form 14653,' 'Delinquent Information Return,' 'Quiet Disclosure,' 'FBAR Amnesty,' and 'Tax Year 2026 Compliance.' For those in the UK, consult HMRC to ensure your UK taxes are also up to date, as the IRS often verifies this. The total cost of the procedure is: $$Total\\ Cost = Back\\ Taxes + Interest + Professional\\ Fees$$. Importantly, there is *no* penalty under the Streamlined Foreign Offshore program. For a deeper look at the legal standards, refer to FinCEN Guidance. Once you are caught up, you are expected to remain compliant moving forward to avoid future scrutiny.