In March 2016, the global version of the United States’ Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), also known as the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), will come into effect in South Africa. Both FATCA and CRS affect individuals, entities and financial institutions globally.

In essence, FATCA aims to combat US offshore tax evasion and recoup US tax revenues. It requires non-US financial institutions to provide the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with information relating to its clients who are US citizens (in South Africa this information flow is facilitated via SARS). 

Moore Stephens receives regular requests for Voluntary Disclosure assistance. Candice Olivier and Brett Abramowitz from Investec outlines some key points.