We needed copies of prior-filed FBARs for a client. (We didn’t know whether one was filed, and if one was filed, we didn’t know what it said.)
In order to get a copy from the IRS you have to pay a fee. The fee is calculated by the number of pages on the form.
OK. We need to know the number of pages of a form we’ve never seen? What the hell. We guess and send a check.
Bounce! Request for copies rejected.
We got a letter back saying we paid too much (by $2.70!) so our request for a copy was rejected and the check was returned. Helpfully they gave us the correct amount to pay.
Now we know how many pages there were on the originally-filed FBAR form. And we know that an FBAR was in fact filed.
Insert your own moral here. I’m too busy. (Shhh. Be vewwy, vewwy quiet. I’m hunting unicorns.)