All Collections
Our services
Preparer certification letter: Proof of tax compliance requested by banks
Preparer certification letter: Proof of tax compliance requested by banks
Kirsten Simmons avatar
Written by Kirsten Simmons
Updated over a week ago

Banks worldwide may request proof of compliance with U.S. taxes from U.S. expats. For example, a bank may send a FATCA letter to a client, seeking specific information about their U.S. tax status and possibly requesting them to complete either the W-9 or W-8 Form.

At TFX, we offer the service of preparing a letter called the U.S. Paid Preparer Certification and Notification. This letter confirms that we are either prepared or in the process of preparing U.S. tax returns for the client. Such a letter provides clients with additional time to ensure their U.S. taxes are in order, thereby preventing the potential freezing of their bank accounts. Typically, banks grant a 45-day extension upon receiving this letter.

Note: the deliverable of the letter remains the same whether it is sent to a bank or a lawyer.

The cost for this service is $150, and the letter will be provided to the client as a PDF email attachment. Please note that we no longer send physical copies of such letters to clients. For pricing information, please refer to our non-flat fees list (look for "TFX Letter to Third Parties").

Let your tax preparer know if you require TFX to prepare this letter on our official letterhead.

Did this answer your question?