Detailed Summary

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise and add reporting and other requirements relating to income from assets held abroad, including by: (1) requiring foreign financial and nonfinancial institutions to withhold 30% of payments made to such institutions by U.S. individuals unless such institutions agree to disclose the identity of such individuals and report on their bank transactions; (2) denying a tax deduction for interest on non-registered bonds issued outside the United States; (3) requiring any individual who holds more than $50,000 in a depository or custodial account maintained by a foreign financial institution to report on such accounts; (4) imposing an enhanced tax penalty for underpayments attributable to undisclosed foreign financial assets; (5) extending the limitation period for assessment of underpayments with respect to assets held outside the United States; (6) requiring certain tax advisors who assist U.S. individuals in acquiring a direct or indirect interest in a foreign entity to file an information return disclosing the identity of the foreign entity and the individual investors; (7) requiring shareholders of a passive foreign investment company to file informational returns; (8) enhancing tax rules and penalties relating to foreign trusts with U.S. beneficiaries; and (9) requiring withholding of tax on dividend equivalent payments received by foreign individuals.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 10/27/2009: Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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