US issues final FATCA regulations -- US fiscal debate turns to sequestration -- US, Japan sign comprehensive tax protocol -- US, Spain sign amending tax protocol -- IRS issues final anti-abuse regulations under Section 304 -- Treasury grants further extension for FBAR reporting signature authority over certain foreign financial accounts -- IRS publishes revised instructions for Form 5471 -- IRS announces domestic entities not required to report interests in foreign financial assets on Form 8938 for tax years beginning before 31 December 2012 -- Noticeable increase in IRS audits of intercompany loans -- IRS closes record-high 140 APA cases in 2012