The European Council has reached agreement on a proposal granting access for tax authorities to information held by authorities responsible for the prevention of money laundering. The directive requires member states to enable access to information on the beneficial ownership of companies, and will apply as from 1 January 2018.
The Council is expected to adopt the directive once the European Parliament has given its opinion.
[European Council Press Release](http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2016/11/08-tax-authorities-access-beneficial-ownership-information/?utm_source=dsms-auto&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Tax+authorities+to+gain+access+to+beneficial+ownership+information)