My Foreign Bank Sent Me a FATCA Letter Asking If I Am a U.S. Person. What Do I Do?
Respond promptly and honestly. Under FATCA, foreign financial institutions (FFIs) are required to identify U.S. account holders and report their account information to the IRS. When your bank sends a self-certification or “FATCA letter,” it is asking you to confirm whether you are a U.S. person for tax purposes. If you are a U.S. citizen or green card holder, the answer is yes, regardless of where you live.
- Complete the Form W-9 (or your bank’s local equivalent) confirming your U.S. tax status
- Do not submit a W-8BEN if you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien; that form certifies foreign status, and submitting it falsely is a federal offense
- Respond by the bank’s deadline; ignoring the request is the most common reason banks close American clients’ accounts
- Your bank will report your account details (name, address, TIN, balances) to the IRS annually via FATCA intergovernmental agreements
| What the bank asks | What you provide | Why |
| FATCA self-certification form | Check “U.S. person” and sign | Confirms your status under local FATCA rules |
| IRS Form W-9 | Complete with name, address, and SSN | Standard U.S. person identification |
| Tax Identification Number (TIN) | Your Social Security Number | Required for FATCA reporting to the IRS |
| Proof of U.S. status | U.S. passport or green card copy | Some banks request supporting documentation |
Providing your information does not create any new tax obligation. It simply means the bank reports your account to the IRS, which the IRS may already know about through other channels. You are still independently responsible for filing your FBAR and Form 8938 if your accounts meet the reporting thresholds.
If your bank will not serve U.S. clients, alternatives include HSBC Expat, Citibank International, and digital banks like Wise and Revolut that continue to accept U.S. persons.
Last updated on April 29, 2026
