What is Form 3520-A?
Annual information return filed by foreign trusts with at least one US owner to report trust income and assets.
Definition
Form 3520-A, Annual Information Return of Foreign Trust With a U.S. Owner, must be filed by the trustee of a foreign trust that has at least one US owner. The form reports the trust's financial activities including income, expenses, and distributions. If the foreign trustee fails to file, the US owner is responsible for filing and may face significant penalties.
Who Needs to Know This?
Foreign trust trustees with US owners. If the trustee doesn't file, the US owner of the foreign trust must file Form 3520-A.
Key Deadline
March 15 (with extension to September 15)
Potential Penalties
Greater of $10,000 or 5% of the gross value of the trust assets owned by the US person
Related Forms
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 1Assuming the foreign trustee will handle filing (they often don't)
- 2Not understanding US owner responsibility when trustee fails to file
- 3Missing the March 15 deadline
- 4Not properly calculating trust income allocable to US owner
Related Terms
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