How Long Should I Keep Foreign Bank Statements?
Keep the records for each foreign account you report on an FBAR for at least 5 years from the FBAR due date. Those records must show the name on the account, the account number, the bank’s name and address, the account type, and the account’s maximum value during the year. Bank statements are the simplest way to keep all of that in one place.
| Situation | How long to keep foreign bank statements |
|---|---|
| The account is reported on an FBAR | 5 years from the FBAR due date, the legal minimum. 6 years covers the IRS’s window to assess an FBAR penalty |
| The account is also reported on Form 8938 | 6 years, matching the IRS’s window when more than $5,000 of income from foreign assets is left off a return |
| The statements support interest or other income on your return | As long as that return can be reviewed, usually 3 years from filing |
For a 2026 FBAR, due April 15, 2027, keep the account records until at least April 15, 2032.
Before You Close a Foreign Account
- Download every statement: for each year you still need, since a bank may restrict online access once an account closes.
- Note each year’s maximum balance: it is the figure the FBAR asks for.
- Save the exchange rate you used: so you can show how each balance became dollars.
- Keep your own copies: how long banks keep old records varies by country, so do not count on getting them later.
For every other record and how long to keep it, see our guide to how long to keep tax records.
This answer provides general information and is not tax or legal advice. Speak with a qualified tax professional about your situation.
Last updated on October 12, 2026
