The OECD's Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes has released its latest batch of peer review reports assessing the level of commitment in different jurisdictions around the world to the international standard for tax information exchange.

These reports will be used to create an international set of ratings to be used to strengthen tax cooperation and stamp out cross-border tax evasion, to meet requirements laid down by the OECD and G20 group.

To date, the Global Forum has reviewed 98 jurisdictions. In November, 50 jurisdictions will be assigned ratings for the individual elements of the international standard and an overall rating , which will range from 'compliant', 'largely compliant' and 'partially compliant' to 'non-compliant'.

Thirteen new reports have been released. There are 11 'Phase 2' reports reviewing the exchange of information in practice in Austria, Bermuda, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, India, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Qatar, San Marino and The Bahamas. The two 'Phase 1' reports look at the legal and regulatory framework for transparency and exchange of information in Israel and Lithuania.

While the report on Lithuania notes the county's high level of commitment to international standards on tax transparency and information exchange, the review on Israel is more mixed, saying that ownership and accounting information may not be available and accessible in respect of certain trusts and new immigrants or returning veterans.

Luxembourg is singled out for having exchange of information practices which were not fully in line with the standard. While its legal and regulatory framework provides for the availability of ownership, accounting and bank information, the review said Luxembourg has not used its information gathering and enforcement powers to obtain requested information in all instances.

The review of San Marino's efforts to become compliant was positive, but the report states that it should monitor the application of enforcement measures and make additional resources available. Problems with obtaining and exchanging tax information in the Virgin Islands are said in its review to have been tackled more recently, while the Bahamas is praised for its work in this area.

Austria's review says the country has made some and is now in a position to exchange information in accordance with the international standard with 40 of its 92 treaty partners. However, as a number of treaties have not yet been ratified, the review raises some concerns with regard to the exchange of banking information.

The chair of the Global Forum, Kosie Louw of the South African Revenue Service, said: 'The Global Forum is applying pressure on all jurisdictions to implement the standard and co-operate effectively in tax information exchange. The publication of the ratings later this year will be a crucial moment for all those committed to fighting cross-border tax evasion.'