U.S. FATCA Creates Potential Compliance Issues For Canadian Financial Institutions

Our insurance group colleague Stuart Carruthers recently authored an article regarding the potential compliance issues emanating from certain provisions of the U.S. Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act known as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act. Specifically, FATCA targets American offshore tax evasion by broadening required disclosure and reporting by foreign financial institutions in respect of U.S. accountholders. While focused on insurance companies, Stuart's article identifies important issues for the consideration of Canadian financial institutions generally.

Earlier this month, the IRS and Treasury Department released a notice announcing plans to phase in FATCA requirements over the next few years.