FATCA – Searching for name, GIIN of a branch on FFI list (new FAQ)
October 27: The IRS today announced that a new “frequently asked question” (FAQ) has been posted with information concerning a search for the name and GIIN of a branch on the foreign financial institution (FFI) list.
The new FAQ is posted under the “Branch/Disregarded Entity” category of topics on the FATCA FAQ webpage, and is dated October 27, 2014. Full text is provided below.
How can a withholding agent find the name and GIIN of a branch on the FFI list?
To locate a branch on the FFI list, type the first 6 characters of the branch’s GIIN into the FFI list search and download tool. If the FFI that maintains the branch is in approved status, the search results will list (i) the name, GIIN, and country of residence for the FFI, and (ii) the GIIN and country of residence for the FFI’s approved branches. Furthermore, if the first 6 characters of the GIIN are associated with a Lead FI, the search results will list (i) the name, GIIN, and country of residence for the Lead FI, (ii) the GIIN and country of residence for the Lead FI’s approved branches, (iii) the name, GIIN, and country of residence for the approved Member FIs, and (iv) the GIIN and country of residence for the Members’ approved branches.
