We represent clients from all U.S. and International locations regarding Federal Tax and California Issues.
For more than two years the U.S. Department of Justice’s Swiss Bank program has provided incentive for foreign financial institutions concerned about potential violations of U.S. law due to cross border banking activities. While the Swiss banks that enter into this program typically receive protections and assurances that they will not face further civil or criminal consequences provided the institution satisfies certain criteria, individuals who may have used the foreign bank do not. For U.S. citizens, taxpayers, and others who may have an obligation to disclose foreign financial accounts, the failure to make these mandatory disclosures can lead to significant offshore tax penalties or even criminal enforcement action if tax evasion is suspected.
Unfortunately for individuals who still have not complied with FBAR and FATCA obligations, the Swiss Bank program and other investments undertaken by the U.S. government means that the risk of detection has never been higher. Taxpayers who have failed to disclose their foreign accounts should immediately contact an experienced tax attorney for guidance as to how he or she can mitigate the penalties he or she faces. To schedule a reduced-rate consultation with an experienced tax professional call the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing today by calling 800-681-1295 today.
According to allegations advanced by prosecutors with the Department of Justice (DOJ), “Maerki Baumann willfully and actively helped U.S. taxpayers evade their tax obligations and cheat the American public.” Maerki Baumann did not have an American desk until 2001, but the bank’s activities and practices grew quickly after a 2001 establishment of a “Swiss/U.S. Team” and the 2003 hiring of a particular relationship manager who worked with a second relationship manager who would eventually face federal tax charges in 2011.
Federal prosecutors allege that these individuals and others engaged in an array of behaviors in violation of U.S. laws and the U.S. Tax Code. These violations allegedly included:
In all, the actions by the fincial institution involved nearly $800 million in assets.
Per terms of its agreement with the U.S. government, Maerki Baumann has agreed to pay a $23.92 million fine. Furthermore, and more concerning to those who have yet to make required offshore disclosures, the financial institution has agreed to cooperate with the U.S. government in its efforts to identify U.S. persons who engaged in tax evasion and/or fraud. The bank will comply with all tax treaty requests for information, provide a comprehensive disclosure of all cross-border activities, and report accountholders who refuse to achieve or maintain compliance with U.S. laws and regulations. Furthermore the bank will also provide information regarding all U.S. linked accounts and will disclose financial institutions that accepted or made secret transfers.
Maerki Bauman is the 66th bank to join the Swiss Bank program. The window to engage in OVDP to receive protections against future criminal enforcement is closing.
If you have concerns regarding undisclosed foreign accounts, the window to address these problems without facing significant penalties will not remain open forever. Furthermore, if you bank is identified as a facilitator before you enter into OVDP, an enhanced off shore penalty will apply. Even still, this penalty is preferable to facing potential criminal consequences for tax evasion through undisclosed foreign accounts. To schedule a reduced-rate consultation with an experienced professional from the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing, call 800-681-1295 or contact us online today.