By Judith Ugwumadu | 29 November 2013

Six more countries have agreed to automatically share tax information under efforts to clamp down on international tax evasion.

The countries ­– Colombia, Greece, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and Malta – are the latest to sign up on an information pilot scheme launched in April by the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy.

In a joint statement, the finance ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK said: ‘The new global standard, to be finalised early net year, will mark a step change in our ability to clamp down on tax evasion.

‘In making this commitment and joining the large number of jurisdictions that have committed to date, Colombia, Greece, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and Malta have recognised that those jurisdictions which will prosper in the future will be those which embrace tax transparency and work co-operatively to tackle tax evasion.’

A total of 37 countries have now signed up to the pilot.

The announcement came as the UK concluded the signings of tax agreements with the Overseas Territories of Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat and the Turks and Caicos Islands. This followed earlier agreements with the Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Cayman Islands.

Information is expected to be shared from 2016. A number of disclosure facilities will be in operation until the scheme goes live.