In my blog post yesterday, I discussed what happens after a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“Customs”) seizure of items and merchandise. Today’s post is along the same line but will focus instead on currency (cash) seizures by Customs.

Most of our clients report seizures of currency and cash while they are either entering or exiting an airport or at a border crossing. At the time of seizure, Customs will give you a receipt of the seizure. This is form 6051S and is officially known as the “Custody Receipt for Seized Property and Evidence”. It is important to keep this receipt as it will contain the identification number of your seizure for tracking purposes and is your only proof of the money seizure. If you do receive this form, be sure it is properly filled out and contains how much money was seized, the officer seizing the property, and contact information.

Following the seizure, Customs must send you a CAFRA Notice of Seizure that further details the seizure (why it was seized, date, location seized, and additional facts). You will get the seizure notice in the mail and it will be sent certified mail (you sign the green card, or you will receive a notice to pick up the certified mail letter at your local post office).

Once you receive the notice, you have to respond by 30 days from the date of the notice (not the day you physically receive the notice).

Your response to the seizure notice requires you to complete an “Election of Proceedings” form that will be included with the seizure notice. Customs will not easily return your seized currency and there are many nuances involved – contact me for a free consultation regarding your currency seizure.