It’s like Groundhog Day all over again…
In June 2021, at the instigation of the candidate for Chancellor and current Federal Minister of Finance, Olaf Scholz, the Federal Central Tax Office obtained tax data from the Emirate of Dubai.
A similar situation occurred several years ago when the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, under its then Finance Minister Norbert Walter-Borjans, acquired several tax data CDs from Switzerland. This led to the uncovering of numerous tax offences. It can therefore be assumed that numerous criminal tax proceedings will be initiated in the near future.
Assessment of the possibility of a voluntary disclosure exempting the person from criminal liability under Section 371 of the German Fiscal Code
To avoid criminal proceedings, there is the option of voluntary disclosure, bearing in mind that once information has been provided, it would no longer be possible to detect the offence. It is therefore essential to act swiftly in such cases so as not to forfeit the opportunity to make a voluntary disclosure that would exempt one from criminal liability.
We would be happy to assess the possibility of a voluntary disclosure that would exempt you from criminal liability and also advise you on all other matters relating to criminal tax proceedings. In particular, we draw on our experience from previous criminal tax proceedings in connection with the purchase of tax CDs from Switzerland.
Our specialist solicitors and tax advisers will be happy to provide you with further information and advice: Matthias E. Grimme, tax adviser and specialist solicitor in tax law