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US Settles Tax Evasion Suit With UBS, Swiss

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 12, 2009 10:10 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Swiss bank UBS AG has agreed to a settlement with the US to resolve a lengthy tax evasion probe, the Wall Street Journal reports. The details are currently under wraps, as the final documents await signatures. UBS will likely hand the IRS the names of  8,000 to 10,000 clients, analysts predict. The Swiss government had fought hard against the suit, on the basis of Swiss bank privacy.

How the hand-off will happen remains a key component of the settlement: UBS may give client names to the Swiss government, which would in turn tell them that they can appeal in Switzerland, say lawyers representing UBS clients. A host of clients, sensing an impending settlement, have already come forward under the voluntary disclosure program to report their unpaid income tax. In February, UBS agreed to pay $780 million and turn over 250 names in connection with a criminal probe.

In this Feb. 12, 2009 file photo, the logo of the Swiss bank UBS, is seen in Aarau, Switzerland.
In this Feb. 12, 2009 file photo, the logo of the Swiss bank UBS, is seen in Aarau, Switzerland.   (AP Photo/Keystone, Alessandro Della Bella, File)
Federal Judge Alan Gold is seen in this 1999 photo. Judge Gold is presiding over the IRS vs UBS and Switzerland at the U.S. Federal Courthouse in Miami, Fla.
Federal Judge Alan Gold is seen in this 1999 photo. Judge Gold is presiding over the IRS vs UBS and Switzerland at the U.S. Federal Courthouse in Miami, Fla.   (AP Photo/U.S. Courts, HO)
UBS Chief Executive Oswald J. Gruebel is seen during a news conference in Zurich, Switzerland, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009.
UBS Chief Executive Oswald J. Gruebel is seen during a news conference in Zurich, Switzerland, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009.   (AP Photo/Keystone, Steffen Schmidt)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
nick
Aug 12, 2009 6:26 AM CDT
God, I hope Phil Gramm is on the list of 8-10,000 U.S. tax evaders!
Altoecko
Aug 12, 2009 5:19 AM CDT
Anyone with one of these bank accounts have been offered a much lower penalty if they come forward. So, uh, if you know any multi-kajillionares pass it on.
BlueAyez
Aug 12, 2009 4:20 AM CDT
The first good news I've heard in weeks.

 
Department of Justice • Switzerland • UBS • tax evasion • lawsuit • tax shelter

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