tax haven

Generic term for a geographical area outside the jurisdiction of one's home country which imposes only a few restrictions on legitimate business-activities within its jurisdiction, and little or no income tax. Offshore havens generally provide international banking and financial services, and promise privacy of deposits and earnings. In effect, however, almost every country (in one way or the other) is a tax haven for non-nationals because it wants to attract foreign capital by offering incentives. Also called low tax jurisdiction, non tax jurisdiction, or offshore haven. See also offshore financial center (OFC).