On August 26, 2010, the Swiss government said it had reviewed approximately 4,450 UBS client accounts and that half of the data had already been handed over to the United States.

On July15, 2010, Switzerland’s Federal Administrative Court rejected a UBS account holder’s complaint that sought to prevent the release of her client information to the U.S. tax authorities. The ruling is significant because it signals the likely end-game for UBS account holders with undisclosed accounts who had sought to prevent their account information from being delivered to the IRS.

HSBC appears to be the next target of U.S. government in its fight against offshore tax evasion. On June 21, 2010, the Department of Justice issued letters to HSBC clients informing them that they are subject to a criminal investigation.

On June 17, 2010, Swiss Parliament approved a Swiss-U.S. tax agreement that requires UBS AG to provide information to the IRS on 4,450 U.S. persons with undisclosed accounts at the Swiss bank.

Lower house of Swiss parliament rejects UBS agreement with the IRS to disclosuse client data of 4,450 U.S. UBS account holders.

Just as the April 15th deadline for filing income tax returns approached, the US government announced a bunch of new cases against the taxpayers who were hiding their assets in Swiss bank accounts. The parade of cases involved at least $145 million hidden in foreign bank accounts, according to the officials.

Los Angeles Tax Attorneys at Holtz, Slavett & Drabkin represent numerous taxpayers in the IRS Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program.  After the initial information is submitted to the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, a letter is sent from IRS CID stating that the taxpayer has been preliminarily accepted.  The letter further advises that the case will be forwarded for [...]

Over the past 5 months, the IRS has issued 52 answers to frequently asked questions regarding the IRS’ Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program.  The questions and answers provide valuable guidance into the offshore voluntary disclosure program and should be reviewed prior to making a voluntary disclosure.  Taxpayers have until October 15th to make a voluntary disclosure of [...]

IRS Extends Deadline for Offshore Accounts Amnesty Program until October 15, 2009

UBS Offshore Account FBAR Update