FBAR - how many years back?

I just heard about FBAR a few months ago
I understand that I only need to file for the years in which I have had over $10,000 in bank accounts but how many years do I need to go back?

Thanks.

There's no need to file past 6 years ago. See here, scroll down to section 5.

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=250788,00.html

Thanks.  Do you think my excuse of pure ignorance will be accepted in the statement I provide?

Am I the only person who has just heard about it this year?  I've been here since 2003 and I've never heard of it before!

Thanks.  Do you think my excuse of pure ignorance will be accepted in the statement I provide?

Am I the only person who has just heard about it this year?  I've been here since 2003 and I've never heard of it before!

Ignorance isn't an excuse unfortunately. Anyway the info/question about FBAR is on the Schedule B so it's pretty hard to miss. Be honest, get in compliance and maybe talk to a professional if you are worried.

Whether you send them in without any explanation or something along the lines of "sorry I didn't know about this", the most likely outcome is nothing. A Detroiter will enter your forms into the system and nothing will happen - not even an acknowledgement.

Thanks for your replies.  I've never filed Schedule B either.