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EU Finance Ministers Line Up Behind $21B Tax Ruling Against Apple (herald-dispatch.com)
An anonymous Slashdot reader quotes the Associated Press: Dutch Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem urged Apple Saturday to "get ready" to pay up, as he and counterparts from other EU nations lined up behind a finding that the technology giant owes billions of euros due to more than a decade of improperly low taxation. Apple's bill could reach 19 billion euros ($21 billion) with interest, and both the company and Ireland, Apple's European headquarters are appealing the European Commission ruling. But on the last day of an EU finance ministers' meeting focused on ways to harmonize tax rules for international companies, Dijsselbloem told reporters that these "have an obligation to pay taxes in a fair way."
"International tax loopholes are a thing of the past," he said. Apple will have to pay back taxes both in the United States and Europe, he added, "so get ready to do that." Philip Hammond, his British counterpart, said the EU was keen "to make sure that international corporations pay the right tax at the right place. That's the fair way to do it, and we are going to make sure it happens."
Austria, France, and Italy are reportedly also watching the case closely.
"International tax loopholes are a thing of the past," he said. Apple will have to pay back taxes both in the United States and Europe, he added, "so get ready to do that." Philip Hammond, his British counterpart, said the EU was keen "to make sure that international corporations pay the right tax at the right place. That's the fair way to do it, and we are going to make sure it happens."
Austria, France, and Italy are reportedly also watching the case closely.
In my opinion it takes a lot of "courage" to ask them to pay those taxes. That's quite "innovative" if you ask me. The EU is not just thinking outside the box, they're "thinking differently" . And other puns...
Brexit just might work out after all.
Since the EU clearly believes corporations operating on its soil should actually pay taxes, an opportunity is raising its one-eyed head. Maybe the UK can set itself up with Jersey and the Isle of Man to become the Cayman Islands of the North.
Worse weather. Better tax haven. Everybody wins!
I've calculated my velocity with such exquisite precision that I have no idea where I am.
In my opinion it takes a lot of "courage" to ask them to pay those taxes. That's quite "innovative" if you ask me. The EU is not just thinking outside the box, they're "thinking differently" . And other puns...
Apple's lawyers had a referendum on the subject, but apparently they held it wrong.
(moar bribes pls)
"You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
So? I'm from Germany, but my passport says Canada. IKEA may well be "from" Sweden, but they're as Swedish as Swedish Chef on Muppet Show.
Mostly random stuff.