Tax evasion

Under continuing questions about possible ethics violations, New York Congressman Charles Rangel announced this morning he would temporarily step down as chair of the powerful Ways and Means Committee.

Washington has been fighting for the release of names of Americans suspected of evading taxes by hiding money in Swiss bank accounts. For details, The Takeaway turns to Bill Sharp, a lawyer who represents a number of clients with Swiss bank accounts.

A 10-year federal probe uncovered an international conspiracy involving money laundering, corruption of local and state governments and synagogues in New Jersey. Joining The Takeaway is Bob Ingle, Trenton bureau chief for Gannet news service.

Jason Zengerle wrote an article for this Sunday’s New York Times Magazine profiling the philosophical movements that argue that despite, you know, the law, you’re not actually obligated to pay your taxes. He joins us now to explain.

For the details on UBS’ decision to rebuff the U.S. government’s latest lawsuit, we turn to the BBC’s Imogen Foulkes in Geneva.