Agreement with Switzerland on the automatic exchange of tax information

11.6.2015

Question for written answer E-009576-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Hugues Bayet (S&D)

On Wednesday, 27 May, Switzerland and the European Union signed an agreement under which the two parties will, from 2018, automatically exchange information on the financial accounts of their respective residents.

It is an important step because it should put an end to Swiss bank secrecy for EU residents and prevent tax evaders from hiding undeclared income in Swiss accounts.

In its official press release, the Commission states that, under this agreement, ‘Member States will receive, on an annual basis, the names, addresses, tax identification numbers and dates of birth of their residents with accounts in Switzerland, as well as a broad set of other financial and account balance information.’

Can the Commission specify the nature of the financial information covered by this agreement?