Apple Ordered to Pay Ireland €13bn in Unpaid Taxes
Apple has been directed by Europe's top court to pay Ireland €13bn in unpaid taxes, ending an eight-year legal battle. The ruling addresses accusations that Ireland granted Apple illegal tax benefits from 1991 to 2014. In a related case, the European Court of Justice also fined Google €2.4bn for abuse of market dominance.
Apple has been directed by Europe's top court to pay Ireland €13bn (approximately one dollar14bn) in unpaid taxes, concluding an eight-year legal battle.
The European Commission accused Ireland of granting Apple illegal tax benefits in 2016.
Although Ireland opposed the necessity of collecting the tax, it has stated it will comply with the ruling.
Apple expressed disappointment, accusing the European Commission of retroactively changing rules.
The judgement confirms a previous ruling covering the period from 1991 to 2014, which found that profits from Apple's Irish subsidiaries were given illegal tax treatment.
Ireland argued that the favorable tax conditions were necessary to attract large companies like Apple.
In a related case, the European Court of Justice also ordered Google to pay a separate fine of €2.4bn for market dominance abuse.
EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager hailed the decisions as significant wins for tax justice in Europe.
The European Commission accused Ireland of granting Apple illegal tax benefits in 2016.
Although Ireland opposed the necessity of collecting the tax, it has stated it will comply with the ruling.
Apple expressed disappointment, accusing the European Commission of retroactively changing rules.
The judgement confirms a previous ruling covering the period from 1991 to 2014, which found that profits from Apple's Irish subsidiaries were given illegal tax treatment.
Ireland argued that the favorable tax conditions were necessary to attract large companies like Apple.
In a related case, the European Court of Justice also ordered Google to pay a separate fine of €2.4bn for market dominance abuse.
EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager hailed the decisions as significant wins for tax justice in Europe.
