Italy was set to sign a new tax
deal with Liechtenstein Thursday, following up on a similar pact
earlier in the week with Switzerland - both aimed at cracking
down on tax evaders.
The government has said the deals cut through bank secrecy
and help to exchange information that will assist it in
recovering billions from citizens who have tried to hid assets
from tax assessment.
Italy has had a major problem with tax evasion and the
national Audit Court recently estimated about 91 billion euros
in taxes were evaded each year between 2007 and 2012.
The banking systems in Switzerland and Liechtenstein have
traditionally been seen as safe havens.
Repatriating assets has been one strategy Rome has employed
to try to get some money back.
The Italian government said last month that its capital
repatriation plan will continue until September, representing
"the last chance to come into compliance" with tax authorities
without facing penalties, officials with the economy ministry
have said.
A tax measure covering capital repatriation allows
offenders to return money previously hidden abroad without
penalty.
However, accrued taxes must be paid.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA