What is the Bank Secrecy Act and how does it affect my foreign-owned LLC?
I recently formed a single-member LLC in Delaware as a non-resident from the UK. My accountant mentioned something about the 'Bank Secrecy Act' and said I need to be aware of it as a foreign owner. I thought this was only for banks? My LLC is an e-commerce business selling digital products. Does BSA really apply to me, or is my accountant being overly cautious? I want to understand what obligations I actually have before I start processing payments through my U.S. bank account.
Related Questions
What is Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting and does my foreign-owned LLC need to file?
I keep seeing emails and ads about 'BOI reporting' and 'Corporate Transparency Act' filing requirements. I own a single-member LLC in Wyoming as a non-resident from Japan. My LLC was formed in 2024. D...
Does my state have additional AML requirements beyond the federal ones for my foreign-owned LLC?
My foreign-owned LLC is registered in New York. I know about the federal BSA/AML requirements from FinCEN. But someone mentioned that New York has its own AML rules that are even stricter than the fed...
Does my foreign-owned LLC qualify for any BOI reporting exemption?
I have a foreign-owned LLC that earned about $200,000 last year. I have no U.S. employees — I work alone from France. I heard that some companies are exempt from BOI reporting. My registered agent cha...
What are FinCEN Geographic Targeting Orders and does my LLC's real estate purchase trigger one?
My foreign-owned LLC is buying a commercial property in Miami for $800,000. My real estate attorney mentioned something about a 'Geographic Targeting Order' from FinCEN that applies to certain real es...
What KYC documents do I need to open a U.S. bank account for my foreign-owned LLC?
I am a Brazilian citizen who just formed an LLC in Florida. I have my EIN from the IRS and my Articles of Organization from the state. I tried to open a business bank account at Chase but they asked m...
What is OFAC sanctions screening and how does it affect my foreign-owned LLC?
I am an Iranian-born Canadian citizen who owns a U.S. LLC. When I tried to open a bank account, they said my application needed 'OFAC screening.' A week later they told me my application was still und...
Who counts as a 'beneficial owner' for BOI reporting — just me or also my spouse and business partners?
I am a South Korean citizen and I co-own a U.S. LLC with my wife (also Korean) and a Canadian business partner. We each own one-third. My wife handles the finances but is not listed on any formation d...
What should an AML compliance program look like for a foreign-owned LLC that is classified as an MSB?
My foreign-owned LLC provides currency exchange services for tourists and has been classified as a Money Services Business. FinCEN says I need a written AML compliance program. I am a small operation ...
Do I need an AML compliance program for my foreign-owned single-member LLC?
I own a consulting LLC in Wyoming as a Canadian citizen. A friend who works in banking told me I need an 'AML compliance program' for my LLC. I looked this up and it seems like something only banks an...
Do I still need to file BOI in 2026 if I formed my LLC in a U.S. state?
I keep hearing different things about FinCEN's Beneficial Ownership reporting. I'm a foreign owner of a Wyoming LLC. Court rulings, interim rules — what's the current 2026 rule for U.S.-formed LLCs?
Have a similar question?
ForeignLLCTax members get expert answers with IRS citations. One CPA consultation costs $200+. Full access is $9.99/month.
Become a Member — $9.99/moDisclaimer: All content on ForeignLLCTax.com is created by a tax professional and is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute tax, legal, or accounting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Every tax situation is different — for advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a licensed CPA, Enrolled Agent, or tax attorney. By using this website, purchasing a subscription, or accessing any tools or services, you acknowledge that no client-professional relationship is established between you and ForeignLLCTax.com or its operators. This website is not affiliated with the IRS.


