A Swiss U.S. tax accord has been given the go-ahead by the Council of States, which voted to approve it with 27 in favour and five against.

The implication is that more wealthy U.S. citizens dodging their taxes by hiding money in Swiss accounts could be brought to justice more easily.

Finance Minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf maintains that passing over names and account balances will not be allowed however.

Switzerland has also said no to helping the U.S. get information about undeclared accounts prior to September 2009, when a first accord was initially signed.

The National Council still must have its say on the new accord.

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