Businesses Must Electronically File IRS Form 8300, Report Of Cash Payments Over $10,000 Beginning January 1, 2024

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced on Friday that starting January 1, 2024, businesses are required to electronically file (e-file) Form 8300, Report of Cash Payments Over $10,000, instead of filing a paper return. This new requirement follows final regulations amending e-filing rules for information returns, including Forms 8300.

Businesses that receive more than $10,000 in cash must report transactions to the U.S. government on IRS Form 8300. The purpose of reporting is designed to detect tax evasion, drug trafficking, financing terrorist acts and other criminal activities. The IRS can often trace money from these illegal activities through payments reported on Forms 8300 that are timely filed, complete and accurate. The new requirement for e-filing Forms 8300 applies to businesses mandated to e-file certain other information returns, such as Forms 1099 series and Forms W-2. Beginning with calendar year 2024, businesses must e-file all Forms 8300 (and other certain types of information returns required to be filed in a given calendar year) if they’re required to file at least 10 information returns other than Form 8300. For example, if a business files five Forms W-2 and five Forms 1099-INT, then the business must e-file all their information returns during the year, including any Forms 8300.

Waivers
A business may file a request for a waiver from electronically filing information returns due to undue hardship. For more information businesses can refer to Form 8508, Application for a Waiver from Electronic Filing of Information Returns. If the IRS grants a waiver from e-filing any information return, that waiver automatically applies to all Forms 8300 for the duration of the calendar year. A business may not request a waiver from filing only Forms 8300 electronically. The business must include the word “Waiver” on the center top of each Form 8300 (page 1) when submitting a paper filed return.

Late Returns
A business must self-identify late returns. A business must file a late Form 8300 in the same way as a timely filed Form 8300, either electronically or on paper. A business filing a late Form 8300 electronically must include the word “LATE” in the comments section of the return. A business filing a late Form 8300 on paper must write “LATE” on the center top of each Form 8300 (page 1).

Record Keeping
A business must keep a copy of every Form 8300 it files, as well as any supporting documentation and the required statement it sends to customers, for five years from the date filed. Filing electronically will provide confirmation that the form was filed; however, e-file confirmation e-mails alone do not meet the record keeping requirement. When e-filing, filers must also save a copy of the form prior to finalizing the form submission. They should associate the confirmation number with the saved copy. Prior to finalizing the form for submission, businesses should save a copy of the form electronically or print a copy of the form.

E-filing
To file Forms 8300 electronically, a business must set up an account with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network’s BSA E-Filing System. The IRS will ensure the privacy and security of all taxpayer data. For more information, interested businesses can call the Bank Secrecy Act E-Filing Help Desk at 866-346-9478 or email them at BSAEFilingHelp@fincen.gov. For more information about the BSA E-Filing System, businesses can complete a technical support request at Self Service Help Ticket (treas.gov). The help desk is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. For more information about the reporting requirement, see FS-2023-19 on IRS.gov.