AML, BSA & OFAC ComplianceAnswered

What are the actual penalties for BSA/AML violations by a foreign-owned LLC?

L2
lisa_2244new member
August 17, 2021 2,567 views 1 answer
BSA penaltiesAML penaltieswillful violationnegligent violationforeign LLCprison

I have been reading about BSA and AML requirements and the penalties sound terrifying. My foreign-owned LLC is a small online business making about $100,000 per year. What are the realistic penalties if I accidentally violate a BSA/AML rule? Are the penalties different for willful vs accidental violations? Can they really put me in prison for a paperwork mistake? I want to understand the actual risk level so I know how much to invest in compliance.

Related Questions

Aml ComplianceAnswered

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 ...

H5
hassan_505e·Dec 25, 2023
1,1231
Aml ComplianceAnsweredFeatured

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...

PC
priya_ca_e9b5·Jul 26, 2021
1,9231
Aml ComplianceAnswered

I missed the BOI filing deadline for my LLC — what happens now and how much will the penalty be?

I formed my single-member LLC in Delaware in March 2024 as a non-resident from Australia. I just learned about BOI reporting from reading this forum. Nobody told me about this when I formed my LLC. I ...

JA
james_au_dd8b·Aug 28, 2024
2,4561
Aml ComplianceAnswered

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...

KC
kenji_cfd2·Apr 27, 2024
1,0981
Aml ComplianceAnsweredFeatured

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 ...

OG
oliver_gb_21f5·May 26, 2022
2,8471
Aml ComplianceAnsweredFeatured

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...

YJ
yuki_jp_3f5c·Oct 6, 2024
2,7431
Aml ComplianceAnswered

My foreign-owned LLC runs a cash-intensive business — what extra AML requirements do I face?

I am a Mexican citizen with a U.S. LLC that operates food trucks in Houston. Most of my daily revenue is cash — usually $2,000 to $5,000 per day across three trucks. I deposit cash at the bank two or ...

MM
miguel_mx_372f·Apr 12, 2021
1,6541
Aml ComplianceAnsweredFeatured

My foreign-owned LLC accepts cryptocurrency payments — what AML rules apply to crypto transactions?

I am a Turkish citizen with a U.S. LLC that sells software licenses. I recently started accepting Bitcoin and USDT payments from international customers because wire transfer fees were eating into my ...

ET
emre_tr_fc31·Apr 23, 2021
2,4321
Aml ComplianceAnswered

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...

RC
ricardo_c1c3·Sep 22, 2025
1,7651
Aml ComplianceAnswered

A crypto counterparty says they are legit because they show up in FinCEN's MSB search. Is that actually meaningful?

We are evaluating a crypto payments partner and their main credibility pitch is that they are listed in FinCEN's MSB registrant search. Someone on our business team is treating that like a regulatory ...

J7
jules_7d5c·Jan 5, 2026
1,6851

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/mo

Disclaimer: 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.

Watch the walkthroughs