101.7 FM IN GENEVA DAB+, CABLE & SATELLITE ACROSS SWITZERLAND
LISTEN ONLINE 
P O P U L A R
- alcohol
- army knives
- banks
- Basel
- Bern
- cannabis
- CH votes
- cheese
- children
- chocolate
- consumers
- crime
- cycling
- easyJet
- environment
- EU
- expats
- gay
- Geneva
- health insurance
- hiking
- jura
- language
- lausanne
- Olympics
- Polanski
- real estate
- skiing
- smoking
- Swiss franc (CHF)
- swiss watches
- tax
- tax.
- tax. banks
- ticino
- tourism
- trains
- wine
- workplace
- zurich
S U B S C R I B E
WRS stories about tax
U.S.-Swiss tax spat rumbles on after court blocks data share
Thursday, 12 April, 2012
The Swiss authorities have no business transferring your banking details to the U.S. tax authorities. That was what the Federal Administrative Court, one of Switzerland’s supreme courts, told a Credit Suisse client at the end of last week. What could at first seem like a bomb being set off in the midst of negotiations for a new tax deal between Switzerland and the U.S. could, in fact, be more like a damp squib for a functional justice system, as WRS’s Lucas Chambers reports:
Thursday, 12 April, 2012
The Swiss authorities have no business transferring your banking details to the U.S. tax authorities. That was what the Federal Administrative Court, one of Switzerland’s supreme courts, told a Credit Suisse client at the end of last week. What could at first seem like a bomb being set off in the midst of negotiations for a new tax deal between Switzerland and the U.S. could, in fact, be more like a damp squib for a functional justice system, as WRS’s Lucas Chambers reports:
Court blocks Credit Suisse from sharing American client data
Wednesday, 11 April, 2012
The Federal Administrative Court in Switzerland says bank giant Credit Suisse can’t disclose client details to American tax officials because their request last year was too vague. It is part of a wider investigation by the U.S. into whether 11 Swiss banks have been aiding wealthy Americans to dodge taxes. WRS’s Alex Helmick asks tax lawyer and expert Philippe Kenel for his reaction to the ruling:
Wednesday, 11 April, 2012
The Federal Administrative Court in Switzerland says bank giant Credit Suisse can’t disclose client details to American tax officials because their request last year was too vague. It is part of a wider investigation by the U.S. into whether 11 Swiss banks have been aiding wealthy Americans to dodge taxes. WRS’s Alex Helmick asks tax lawyer and expert Philippe Kenel for his reaction to the ruling:
Another nail in the coffin for Swiss banking secrecy?
Tuesday, 10 April, 2012
When UBS got into hot water back in 2008 for actively inciting tax fraud among American clients, the rest of Switzerland’s banks promised they had nothing to hide. Four years later, 11 of them are threatened with legal action in the U.S., and just this weekend, the Swiss Bankers Association sent out a letter asking the 300 others to count up how much money they had in total from American account holders. Is this a smart move in view of cutting a global deal that could end the spat with the U.S. once and for all? Or is it admitting that very few banks were blameless? Haig Simonian is correspondent for the Financial Times in Zurich and he talks to WRS’s Dave Goodman:
Tuesday, 10 April, 2012
When UBS got into hot water back in 2008 for actively inciting tax fraud among American clients, the rest of Switzerland’s banks promised they had nothing to hide. Four years later, 11 of them are threatened with legal action in the U.S., and just this weekend, the Swiss Bankers Association sent out a letter asking the 300 others to count up how much money they had in total from American account holders. Is this a smart move in view of cutting a global deal that could end the spat with the U.S. once and for all? Or is it admitting that very few banks were blameless? Haig Simonian is correspondent for the Financial Times in Zurich and he talks to WRS’s Dave Goodman:
Arrest of German inspectors gums up tax deal
Wednesday, 4 April, 2012
Germany and Switzerland wrapped up their discussions on a withholding tax accord last night. It would be similar to the one signed with the UK several weeks ago—basically banks would collect taxes on non-resident accounts here and turn the money over to the British government. German finance officials say they want to ratify the deal as quickly as possible, but they’ve faced opposition at home that’s become even more strident after arrest warrants were issued by the Swiss for three German tax inspectors. WRS’s Dave Goodman calls up Terry Martin, who covers German politics for Deutsche Welle, to put the situation into perspective for us:
Wednesday, 4 April, 2012
Germany and Switzerland wrapped up their discussions on a withholding tax accord last night. It would be similar to the one signed with the UK several weeks ago—basically banks would collect taxes on non-resident accounts here and turn the money over to the British government. German finance officials say they want to ratify the deal as quickly as possible, but they’ve faced opposition at home that’s become even more strident after arrest warrants were issued by the Swiss for three German tax inspectors. WRS’s Dave Goodman calls up Terry Martin, who covers German politics for Deutsche Welle, to put the situation into perspective for us:
UBS whistleblower battles prison for early release to halfway house
Wednesday, 28 March, 2012
The UBS whistleblower Bradley Birkenfeld is engaged in a legal battle with the U.S. prison service over his release from detention. Birkenfeld is representing himself in a case he’s brought against a decision by the prison to deny him access to a halfway house up to 12 months before his scheduled release date. The government is trying to prevent the case from coming to court. From Washington, reporter Daniel Ryntjes has this exclusive story.
Wednesday, 28 March, 2012
The UBS whistleblower Bradley Birkenfeld is engaged in a legal battle with the U.S. prison service over his release from detention. Birkenfeld is representing himself in a case he’s brought against a decision by the prison to deny him access to a halfway house up to 12 months before his scheduled release date. The government is trying to prevent the case from coming to court. From Washington, reporter Daniel Ryntjes has this exclusive story.
Bern set to approve U.S. tax accord after delays, debates
Monday, 5 March, 2012
The National Council today is expected to approve the latest changes to the double tax accord with the United States. Heated debate ran so long last week that lawmakers ran out of time. It’s a text that would allow U.S. authorities greater latitude to get information on suspected tax cheats. Switzerland has said it wants to get rid of undeclared money. And double-tax accords are a central element of that so-called clean money strategy. But critics say that approach means people hiding money from developing countries have little to fear. WRS’s Jordan Davis reports:
Monday, 5 March, 2012
The National Council today is expected to approve the latest changes to the double tax accord with the United States. Heated debate ran so long last week that lawmakers ran out of time. It’s a text that would allow U.S. authorities greater latitude to get information on suspected tax cheats. Switzerland has said it wants to get rid of undeclared money. And double-tax accords are a central element of that so-called clean money strategy. But critics say that approach means people hiding money from developing countries have little to fear. WRS’s Jordan Davis reports:
Bern on brink of passing tax accord with U.S.
Wednesday, 29 February, 2012
Today the double tax accord between Switzerland and the United States is before members of Parliament in the National Council. The government says it’s a key element to resolving the banking crisis with the United States. The accord’s been held up in Bern for months. Many fear it will open a new breach in banking secrecy. But now it appears to be on the verge of passage. WRS’s Jordan Davis is live in the Federal Palace:
Wednesday, 29 February, 2012
Today the double tax accord between Switzerland and the United States is before members of Parliament in the National Council. The government says it’s a key element to resolving the banking crisis with the United States. The accord’s been held up in Bern for months. Many fear it will open a new breach in banking secrecy. But now it appears to be on the verge of passage. WRS’s Jordan Davis is live in the Federal Palace:
Bank chief ruffles Swiss finance feathers
Wednesday, 29 February, 2012
Parliament is due to vote today on an accord making it easier for the U.S. authorities to get information on American tax cheats with Swiss bank accounts. The topic has generated acres of newsprint. In an interview with the Tages Anzeiger newspaper on Tuesday, Pierin Vincenz , chief executive of Raiffeisen, Switzerland’s third biggest bank, raised concerns about the country’s strategy of dealing with this issue globally. He’s ruffled a few feathers, as WRS’s Vincent Landon reports:
Wednesday, 29 February, 2012
Parliament is due to vote today on an accord making it easier for the U.S. authorities to get information on American tax cheats with Swiss bank accounts. The topic has generated acres of newsprint. In an interview with the Tages Anzeiger newspaper on Tuesday, Pierin Vincenz , chief executive of Raiffeisen, Switzerland’s third biggest bank, raised concerns about the country’s strategy of dealing with this issue globally. He’s ruffled a few feathers, as WRS’s Vincent Landon reports:
Tax deal said to be close for Credit Suisse and U.S.
Friday, 17 February, 2012
Credit Suisse is close to announcing a deal over tax evasion with the U.S. government, according to a leading international tax attorney. Kevin Thorn, a legal advisor to Swiss banks over compliance issues, says the two sides may be close to going public on an arrangement similar to the one with UBS. WRS has previously reported that Credit Suisse has been denying U.S. clients access to their accounts unless they come clean to the U.S. Now we have also acquired a copy of a letter dated February 2, 2012 and written by the bank advising individuals once again to consider a voluntary disclosure to tax authorities. With more, here’s WRS’s Washington Correspondent Daniel Ryntjes:
Friday, 17 February, 2012
Credit Suisse is close to announcing a deal over tax evasion with the U.S. government, according to a leading international tax attorney. Kevin Thorn, a legal advisor to Swiss banks over compliance issues, says the two sides may be close to going public on an arrangement similar to the one with UBS. WRS has previously reported that Credit Suisse has been denying U.S. clients access to their accounts unless they come clean to the U.S. Now we have also acquired a copy of a letter dated February 2, 2012 and written by the bank advising individuals once again to consider a voluntary disclosure to tax authorities. With more, here’s WRS’s Washington Correspondent Daniel Ryntjes:
Big tax breaks spark tension between cantons and with EU
Monday, 13 February, 2012
Cantons competing to attract multinational companies by giving them tax breaks is nothing new. But it’s been revealed just how far they go—and it may come as a bit of a shock. The Federal Audit Office has released figures that have sparked tensions between cantons, within the Social Democratic party and which could even affect tax talks between the EU and Switzerland. WRS’s Lucas Chambers reports:
Monday, 13 February, 2012
Cantons competing to attract multinational companies by giving them tax breaks is nothing new. But it’s been revealed just how far they go—and it may come as a bit of a shock. The Federal Audit Office has released figures that have sparked tensions between cantons, within the Social Democratic party and which could even affect tax talks between the EU and Switzerland. WRS’s Lucas Chambers reports:
Will Wegelin bank turn up for its first court hearing?
Friday, 10 February, 2012
Tax experts in the United States say there’s clear evidence to suggest U.S. investigators have received insider knowledge of the workings of Wegelin private bank. The first court hearing is scheduled for later today, but it’s unclear if the bank will turn up. It’s widely assumed that much of the evidence gathered by prosecutors came from voluntary disclosures by Americans who decided to seek amnesty from prosecution. But experts say there’s also very specific information in the indictment which demonstrates detailed understanding of the inner workings of Switzerland’s oldest bank. U.S. attorneys are also examining money laundering allegations contained in a separate complaint for the seizure of assets contained in a U.S.-based correspondent account. From Washington Daniel Ryntjes reports:
Friday, 10 February, 2012
Tax experts in the United States say there’s clear evidence to suggest U.S. investigators have received insider knowledge of the workings of Wegelin private bank. The first court hearing is scheduled for later today, but it’s unclear if the bank will turn up. It’s widely assumed that much of the evidence gathered by prosecutors came from voluntary disclosures by Americans who decided to seek amnesty from prosecution. But experts say there’s also very specific information in the indictment which demonstrates detailed understanding of the inner workings of Switzerland’s oldest bank. U.S. attorneys are also examining money laundering allegations contained in a separate complaint for the seizure of assets contained in a U.S.-based correspondent account. From Washington Daniel Ryntjes reports:
'Not going to be easy' to find a solution after Wegelin indictment
Wednesday, 8 February, 2012
Since the indictment of the Wegelin private bank in the U.S., the federal government in Bern has been tight-lipped about its diplomatic efforts. It’s been reported that the chief negotiator Michael Ambühl has been dispatched to Washington to hasten ongoing negotiations on a global accord with the U.S. Eleven banks are reportedly under investigation by the Department of Justice and Bern hopes for a solution to regularize all U.S. accounts in Switzerland. WRS’s Jordan Davis caught up with the head of the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce, Martin Naville. He asked Naville if he thought the Wegelin indictment was a message from the U.S.:
Wednesday, 8 February, 2012
Since the indictment of the Wegelin private bank in the U.S., the federal government in Bern has been tight-lipped about its diplomatic efforts. It’s been reported that the chief negotiator Michael Ambühl has been dispatched to Washington to hasten ongoing negotiations on a global accord with the U.S. Eleven banks are reportedly under investigation by the Department of Justice and Bern hopes for a solution to regularize all U.S. accounts in Switzerland. WRS’s Jordan Davis caught up with the head of the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce, Martin Naville. He asked Naville if he thought the Wegelin indictment was a message from the U.S.:
Bern may have 'clean money' strategy in wake of Wegelin indictment
Monday, 6 February, 2012
The indictment of the Wegelin bank in the United States has sent a shock wave not just through the Swiss banking world, but through the political world as well. Eleven banks are reportedly under investigation by U.S. authorities. Switzerland has been negotiating with the U.S. for an accord to resolve the ongoing dispute. And now the Federal Council is reportedly considering a beefed-up “clean money” strategy for Swiss banks. How far would that go? WRS’s Jordan Davis reports:
Monday, 6 February, 2012
The indictment of the Wegelin bank in the United States has sent a shock wave not just through the Swiss banking world, but through the political world as well. Eleven banks are reportedly under investigation by U.S. authorities. Switzerland has been negotiating with the U.S. for an accord to resolve the ongoing dispute. And now the Federal Council is reportedly considering a beefed-up “clean money” strategy for Swiss banks. How far would that go? WRS’s Jordan Davis reports:
America's aggressive new tactic in war against tax evaders
Thursday, 29 December, 2011
United States tax officials have an aggressive new tactic in going after Americans suspected of hiding money in Swiss accounts. Reuters reports that American authorities are issuing subpoenas to U.S. taxpayers suspected of hiding money in Swiss and other offshore accounts—a measure typically reserved for offenses more along the lines of drug smuggling or money laundering. WRS’s Alex Helmick turns to Carlo Lombardini, a lawyer specializing in tax law, for his analysis:
Thursday, 29 December, 2011
United States tax officials have an aggressive new tactic in going after Americans suspected of hiding money in Swiss accounts. Reuters reports that American authorities are issuing subpoenas to U.S. taxpayers suspected of hiding money in Swiss and other offshore accounts—a measure typically reserved for offenses more along the lines of drug smuggling or money laundering. WRS’s Alex Helmick turns to Carlo Lombardini, a lawyer specializing in tax law, for his analysis:
