When a business receives a cash payment exceeding $10,000, it is required to file Form 8300, titled “Report of Cash Payments Over $10,000 Received in a Trade or Business,” with the IRS and FinCEN. This form assists federal agencies in tracking large cash transactions to combat money laundering, tax evasion, and other illicit activities. Any person or entity engaged in a trade or business that receives such a payment must file Form 8300 within 15 days.
Despite its importance, many taxpayers are unsure about Form 8300’s purpose and implications. It plays a key role in financial reporting, yet it often causes confusion and anxiety, especially for those encountering it for the first time. Failure to file correctly can result in penalties, making it crucial to understand when and how to use it.
If you’re unsure what to do when a Form 8300 is filed on you, don’t worry, this guide breaks it down step by step.
What is IRS Form 8300?
Form 8300, officially titled “Report of Cash Payments Over $10,000 Received in a Trade or Business,” is a document that businesses must file with the IRS and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) when they receive cash payments exceeding $10,000. This requirement helps the government track large cash transactions to combat money laundering, tax evasion, and other illicit activities.
The primary purpose of Form 8300 is to assist federal agencies in identifying and investigating potential illegal activities, such as money laundering, drug trafficking, and terrorist financing, by creating an audit trail of large cash transactions.
Any person or entity engaged in a trade or business that receives more than $10,000 in cash in a single transaction, or in related transactions, is required to file Form 8300 within 15 days of receiving the payment.
You can see the 8300 Form PDF here.
Who Must File?
Anyone who receives more than $10,000 in cash in a single transaction must file Form 8300 — not just companies, but individuals involved in large cash deals, may also need to report.
Which transactions are eligible for From 8300?
- Agencies
- Hospitals
- Jewelry
- Cannabis-related businesses
- Dealerships (boats, cars, or airplanes)
- Business payments (inventory, equipment, etc.)
- Landlords
- Attorneys
- Universities or colleges
For example, you buy a car for $15,000 and pay in cash. The dealership will file Form 8300.
When to File
The form is required when the transaction amount exceeds $10,000. But what is considered cash for IRS Form 8300?
- Traveler’s checks
- Cashier’s checks
- Money orders
- Bank drafts
- Cash exchanges, trust or escrow funds, loan repayments
- Sale or rental of goods or property (if it is exceeding $10,000)
However, tax-exempt charities do not need to report cash donations or sales proceeds over $10,000 if related to their tax-exempt status.
What Happens If A Form 8300 is Filed on You?
- Once Form 8300 is filed, the IRS reviews it to keep track of large cash transactions. They will monitor your financial activities and ensure compliance with tax laws. The IRS does not automatically assume something is wrong but they examine these reports in every aspect.
Pro tip: Answer their questions honestly and provide any information they request. Being cooperative can help resolve a situation quickly.
- The IRS may follow up if they have concerns. Officers may ask you to verify the details of the transaction and request additional documentation about the cash.
Pro tip: Keep detailed records of your transactions, like receipts, bank statements, and any agreements related to the money. Being prepared with proper documentation can help you respond quickly and confidently if the IRS reaches out.
- After filing Form 8300, this information is entered into the FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) database. This information is then cross-referenced with other information from the database.
- You may want to consult a tax professional to stay informed about your rights and obligations. They will guide you through the process.
Requirements for the Form 8300:
Based on Form 8300 rules, you must inform everyone listed on the form that your company has filed it. And each person involved in big cash transactions needs to include their Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN). If individuals refuse to provide their TIN, taxpayers should file.
The form should include the name, contact information, and address of the person who gave the cash. If the transaction was handled by an employee, their details, including name and employee ID, must be included as well. Whether you are the business owner or the employee, you must include your signature.
You must include the exact amount received, and the payment method used in the transaction.
How to File Form 8300
You should retain records that verify when and how attempts to get the required information were made, and prepare copies of those records for the IRS. First, keep a copy of what you filed.
Then, you can mail the file certified to:
the International Revenue Service,
The Rosa Parks Federal Building (formally The Detroit Federal Building), P.O. BOX 32621, Detroit, MI 48232.
Or you can also file Form 8300 online via FinCEN’s electronic filing system.
Penalties for Failure to File Form 8300
Filing Form 8300 itself does not mean you are in trouble, but there could be legal consequences. For example, you could face penalties for unreported income or discrepancies. Even filing accurately each person name is crucial. Besides, the IRS may charge interest on the unpaid amount of your income taxes.
What about failure is intentional or shows a willful disregard for the reporting requirements? In this situation, penalties could be even higher. Moreover, if the IRS finds something suspicious, like money laundering or tax evasion, there could be criminal cases.
How to Avoid Form 8300
For a large transaction, you cannot avoid filing the form, but you can eliminate unwanted results.
- The best solution: always report cash payments exceeding $10,000 accurately and on time.
- File within the first 15 days after the transaction.
- Keep copies of all transactions in a folder for the last five years.
Besides, you could opt for non-cash payment methods like bank transfers, checks, or credit cards. However, structuring payments to deliberately evade the $10,000 reporting requirement is illegal and considered “structuring,” which can result in severe penalties.
What Do I Do After Being Penalized by the IRS but Unable to Pay?
If you disagree with the outcome, you can ask for an audit reconsideration. But make the request before you pay the penalties you are disputing. The IRS will respond to your request within 30 days, but sometimes you may have to wait longer.
Offer in Compromise can be the other solution in the case the IRS denies your request for audit consideration. But you should figure out whether you are eligible or not for the Offer in Compromise.
Under some unique circumstances, you can also request a penalty abatement, which will waive all your penalties.
Talk with a tax lawyer to find which one is suitable for your financial situation. There are many laws and policies you might not know.
E-filing Form 8300 2025
Starting January 1, 2024, businesses that file 10 or more information returns will need to e-file Form 8300. It is free of charge For businesses filing fewer than 10 information returns, e-filing is optional, and can still choose to e-file voluntarily. But those who do not qualify can still use Free File Fillable Forms.
Can I Request a Waiver to File Paper for Form 8300?
A business may file a request for a waiver from electronically filing information returns due to undue hardship. To do so, include the word “WAIVER” in the center of each Form 8300 while submitting the paper filed returns.
When the IRS grants a waiver from e-filing of any information return, the waiver automatically applies to all Forms 8300 during the calendar year.
Form 8508, Request for Waiver from Filing of Information Returns PDF is here.
To request a waiver from electronic filing if using technology conflicts with religious beliefs, include the words “RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION” in the center top of each Form 8300 when submitting the paper filed returns.
Need Professional Help to File Form 8300?
Never forget to report large cash transactions with Form 8300 to the IRS, for amounts over $10,000. Businesses and individuals must file it to ensure transparency and compliance with tax laws. Moreover, large cash transactions can also trigger another audit. When the IRS finds discrepancies on your returns, they will ask for extra papers for further research.
If a Form 8300 is filed on you, and you are unsure of what to do next, reach us for a free initial consultation. We have thousands of experiences with similar cases and help you understand your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you receive more than $10,000 in cash in a single transaction or related transactions, you are required to report it to the IRS by filing Form 8300.
By reporting these transactions, the IRS can keep track of significant cash flows and ensure that everything is in compliance.
No matter individuals or business, anyone involved in large cash deals may also need to report.
The amount you receive and when you receive it determine when you must file. Generally, you must file Form 8300 within 15 days after receiving a payment.
Form 8300 is simply a form used to notify the government of large cash transactions. It does not automatically trigger an audit, but if the IRS suspects something on your filing, they may want to research it in detail.
Financial institutions must file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) for cash deposits over $10,000. They can also file a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) for any amount if they suspect something shady is going on. Even if your deposit is under $10,000, the bank might file a SAR for suspicious illegal activities. These reports are confidential, so the bank will not tell you if they file one. Besides, attempting to split up deposits to avoid reporting is illegal and will trigger a SAR.
The dealership is legally obligated to file IRS Form 8300 to report a cash transaction over $10,000. However, this does not mean you will be taxed again on that money. The form is just used to notify the IRS of large cash transactions.
If you disagree with the outcome, you can ask for an audit reconsideration. But make the request before you pay the penalties you are disputing. The IRS will respond to your request within 30 days, but sometimes you may have to wait longer.
Normally not, but if the IRS suspects something about your filing, they may do further research. They may request additional documentation.
IRS Form 8300 is used to report cash transactions over $10,000, like your car purchase. As long as the money is legitimate, such as a loan from family, you likely will not face any issues. The IRS might inquire about the source of the funds. And you should be able to explain everything with clear evidence (like a loan agreement with your family) when they audit you. Be prepared to provide documentation if needed.
Yes, if you sell Gold Eagles or any other items for cash transactions that total $10,000 or more in a single or related transaction. Businesses must report these transactions to the IRS using Form 8300 to prevent money laundering and other financial crimes.
Filing Form 8300 doesn’t automatically trigger an audit, but it alerts the IRS to large cash transactions. If a pattern of suspicious activity is detected, it could alarm the IRS.
It is used to report cash payments over $10,000 to the IRS. The aim is to track large cash transactions and help detect potential tax evasion, money laundering, and other illegal activities.
You can file Form 8300 online through the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCen) website using their BSA E-Filing System. Create an account, fill out the necessary details about the transaction, and submit it electronically to the IRS.
