Under relevant provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), U.S. taxpayers who own real estate of historical significance can receive tax breaks for agreeing to preserve their property in its current condition. In the words of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), “In recognition of our need to preserve our heritage, [the IRC allows] an income tax deduction for owners of significant property who give up certain rights of ownership to preserve their land or buildings for future generations.”

When you sign, seal and file your 2020 tax returns, will it be time to breathe a sigh of relief knowing that you can put tax season behind you for another year? Or, will you need to hold your breath in case the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) comes calling?

The U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) recently announced plans to propose a new disclosure requirement for U.S. taxpayers with offshore cryptocurrency accounts. If the proposal moves forward, all taxpayers who own more than $10,000 in cryptocurrency held in offshore accounts would be required to file FinCEN Form 114, Report Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) on an annual basis.

If you own offshore assets, you may need to file more than your state and federal income tax returns on April 15. You may have an obligation to disclose your offshore assets to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), or both; and, if you do, you will need to file the requisite forms to avoid exposure to substantial penalties. Here, Virginia international tax attorney Kevin E. Thorn, Managing Partner of Thorn Law Group, explains the offshore asset disclosure requirements for 2021.