Number: R40114 Title: The OECD Initiative on Tax Havens Authors: James K. Jackson, Specialist in International Trade and Finance Abstract: Since the 1990s, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has pursued the issues of bribery and tax havens, resulting in changes to certain U.S. laws. In addition, the OECD, under the direction of its member countries, spearheaded an international agreement to outlaw crimes of bribery and it continues to coordinate efforts that are aimed at reducing the occurrence of money laundering and corruption. Also, the OECD is a pivotal player in promoting corporate codes of conduct that attempt to develop a set of standards for multinational firms that can be applied across national borders. In the 110th Congress, companion legislation was introduced in the House (H.R. 2136) and the Senate (S. 681) to restrict the use of tax havens. Similar legislation may be introduced in the 111th Congress. Some estimates indicate that tax havens cost the United States $100 billion each year in lost tax revenues (The Christian Science Monitor, Tax Havens in U.S. Cross Hairs, by David R. Francis, June 9, 2008). Pages: 5 Date: December 2, 2008