A failure to pay employment taxes can have serious consequences, not only for the business that does not pay, but also for individuals like accountants, bookkeepers, and corporate executives who have a responsibility for making sure payroll taxes are paid on time. There are options for authorities to pursue both civil and criminal penalties, and the consequences can range from jail time to fines to an injunction preventing the payment of other creditors, the transfer of property or the formation of a new business.

The Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program (OVDP) allows people who did not file a required Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Account (FBAR) to voluntarily report their offshore accounts. Voluntarily reporting a previously undeclared offshore account can allow you to reduce financial penalties and to avoid the possibility of being criminally prosecuted.

Mossack Fonseca is the fourth largest offshore firm in the world. Recently, the firm's database was hacked and extensive details were leaked about investors with offshore accounts. The leaked information is being referred to as The Panama Papers, and the papers provide an unprecedented glimpse into how money moves around the globe. 

Recently, a secretive law firm in Panama with a long history of representing some of the world's most powerful and wealthy people had its records leaked. More than 11 million records were released. These records are being called the Panama Papers and they are being reviewed by 107 different media organizations spread across 76 countries. They are likely also being subject to close scrutiny by taxing authorities within multiple countries worldwide. 

The Swiss Bank Program provides an opportunity for banks that facilitated U.S. tax evasion to avoid being criminally prosecuted. The banks can come forward to voluntarily report their involvement with helping U.S. accountholders hide money offshore. While the banks will have to pay a fine, they won't face criminal penalties and the financial penalties will generally be much lower than if they did face criminal prosecution after an investigation by the Justice Department.  The banks will, however, have to provide specific details about accounts and accountholders.