The Bank Secrecy Act authorizes Treasury to require financial institutions and individuals to keep records and file reports that the Treasury determines have a high degree of usefulness in criminal, tax, or regulatory matters, or to protect against international terrorism. The information collected assist Federal, State, and local law enforcement in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of individuals involved in a variety of financial crimes.
The total number of FBARs for foreign financial accounts reported for calendar year 2017 is 1,076,145. This adjustment in agency estimates reflects a reduction of 14,629 hours from the previously approved figures. The reduction represents a decrease in the number of FBARs filed in calendar year 2017, as compared to calendar year 2016. There were 1,090,774 FBARs filed in calendar year 2016.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.