In general, you can’t legally avoid taxes merely by redirecting your salary or other income to an offshore bank account. Trying to keep the account (and your income) hidden from tax authorities is also a bad idea, as numerous examples have shown in the recent years. Governments are increasingly willing and able to go after tax evaders. In other words, simple solutions don’t work (anymore). Nevertheless, when combined with other measures, an offshore bank account can be a powerful tool in a more comprehensive tax optimization, retirement planning or estate planning strategy.