My bank rejected my LLC account application citing 'PATRIOT Act verification failure' — what does this mean?
I am a Nigerian citizen who formed an LLC in New Mexico. I applied for a business bank account at a large national bank and was rejected. The letter says they could not complete 'customer identification verification required under Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act.' I provided my Nigerian passport, my EIN letter, and my LLC documents. What does Section 326 require and what did I do wrong? Is it because I am from Nigeria? I need a bank account to operate my business.
Related Questions
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...
My bank mentioned 'Section 312 enhanced due diligence' for my LLC's international wire transfers — what is this?
I own a foreign-owned LLC that imports goods from Southeast Asia. My LLC receives wire transfers from my personal bank account in Singapore and also sends payments to suppliers in Vietnam and Thailand...
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 ...
My bank is asking for 'Enhanced Due Diligence' documents — what is EDD and why am I flagged?
I have had a U.S. LLC bank account at a regional bank for about two years. I am from India and my LLC does software development. Last week my bank sent me a letter requesting additional documentation ...
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...
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...
What is the FinCEN whistleblower program and should I be worried about former employees reporting my LLC?
I recently had a disagreement with a contractor who worked for my foreign-owned LLC. He threatened to 'report me to FinCEN' for money laundering. My LLC is a legitimate software company and I have nev...
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...
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 ...
Can my foreign-owned U.S. LLC trigger an FBAR in 2026 if it opens a bank account abroad?
My U.S. LLC needs a foreign bank account to receive payments in EUR. If I open one and the balance crosses $10,000, does the LLC have to file an FBAR for 2026?
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.


