On 30 August 2023, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that starting Jan. 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. Although many cash transactions are legitimate, information reported on Forms 8300 can help combat those who evade taxes, profit from the drug trade, engage in terrorist financing or conduct other criminal activities. The government 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. Electronic filing and communication options will be simpler and will make it easier to interact with the IRS. 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. However, if the business files fewer than 10 information returns of any type, other than Forms 8300, then that business does not have to e-file the information returns and is not required to e-file any Forms 8300. However, businesses not required to e-file may still choose to do so.