Due to the potential impact of Hurricane Irene, the IRS has extended the due date for offshore voluntary disclosure initiative requests until September 9, 2011.

More than ever, it appears the best alternative for taxpayers with undisclosed bank accounts is to enter into the IRS 2011 Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Initiative (OVDI).  But time is quickly running out to take advantage of the OVDI – the deadline for entering the “amnesty” program is next week.  The OVDI may well be the last chance for U.S. taxpayers with undisclosed offshore accounts to benefit from pre-determined penalties and reduced criminal exposure, but only if the taxpayer comes forward before the deadline of August 31, 2011.

Many Indian Americans that have either heard of or have entered into the 2011 OVDI know of the outrageously high civil penalties they could face by maintaining undisclosed foreign bank accounts; now, these Indian Americans are taking action with the U.S. Government to lessen their penalties.

The Department of Justice has made it clear Credit Suisse is in serious trouble and that these are very serious allegations that relate to conduct extending beyond a tax conspiracy and into a broader range of criminal activity.  Specifically, conduct concerning possible destruction of records and helping people even evade the Department of Justice investigations.  Even worse conduct than UBS!

Recently HSBC India has severed all ties with U.S. Clients and anyone associated with U.S. persons.  Due to heightened pressure by the U.S. government into banks such as UBS and Credit Suisse, HSBC India is taking preventative action in order to limit current investigations by U.S. authorities.  The branch has issued letters to all of its U.S. clients informing them of their recent change in client structure, that is they do not want U.S. clients.