Swiss accounts

Thousands of tax dodgers who have taken advantage of Swiss banking secrecy are taking their chances on an IRS amnesty program.

A deal reached this summer with Switzerland's largest bank, UBS AG, requires it to turn over the identity of 4,450 American account holders. However, details on handing over the account information have been kept secret, no doubt creating some anxiety among Americans wondering if they are on the list.

The IRS offered a break to those who come forward first: reduced penalties and no jail time for turning themselves in.

The U.S. ambassador said that 9,000 Americans find the deal appealing and have come forward with details of their once-secret accounts.