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Streamlined certification letter
Streamlined certification letter
Kirsten Simmons avatar
Written by Kirsten Simmons
Updated over a week ago

TFX offers assistance with the IRS's Streamlined amnesty program (SP) for non-willful delinquent taxpayers who seek to rectify past non-filing with the IRS and avoid penalties. This program entails submitting the prior three years of tax returns, six years of FBARs, and a personal affidavit, commonly known as a certification letter, where the late filer affirms their non-willful conduct as the cause of the delinquency.

There are two types of certification letters based on the individual's residence:

  • Form 14653: Certification by U.S. person residing outside of the United States for Streamlined Foreign Offshore Procedures.

  • Form 14654: Certification by U.S. person residing in the United States for Streamlined Domestic Offshore Procedures.

While TFX will prepare the Streamlined package for you (see the prices), please note that the certification letter is not included as it is a personal affidavit devoid of tax calculations. You can prepare it yourself by downloading Form 14653 and Form 14654 from the IRS website. If you encounter any difficulties opening PDF files, refer to our help article Can't open a PDF file.

However, for a seamless entry into the SP program, we suggest considering our professional guidance in crafting your story to adhere to IRS guidelines. As the certification forms have become personalized documents, we will require a paragraph covering the following key aspects from you:

  • A comprehensive narrative about your foreign financial account/asset.

  • Your background, financial history, and any pertinent details relating to your failure to report income, fulfill tax obligations, and submit required information returns, including FBARs.

  • An explanation of the origin of funds in your foreign financial accounts/assets, such as inheritance, opening during foreign residence, or business purposes.

  • A delineation of your interactions with the account/asset, encompassing withdrawals, deposits, and investment/management decisions.

Our fees for preparing these certification forms:

Form

Description

Price

Form 14653

Certification by U.S. person residing outside of the United States for Streamlined Foreign Offshore Procedures

$300

Form 14654

Certification by U.S. person residing in the United States for Streamlined Domestic Offshore Procedures

$500

❗ Important notes:

  • Assistance with these forms is exclusively available when we are preparing the rest of your SP package.

  • While you may schedule a tax planning consultation to discuss the SP and other inquiries, please be aware that we do not provide guidance on self-preparation. The intricate procedural nature of these forms necessitates a comprehensive understanding of your background, a facet that emerges during the tax return preparation process.

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