The EU’s top court has ruled in favor of the European Commission, ordering Apple to pay over €13 billion in back taxes to Ireland. This marks a major defeat for both Apple and the Irish government.
In 2016, EU competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager claimed Ireland had given Apple illegal tax benefits from 2004 to 2014. The case has been under appeal since then.
The European Court of Justice overturned a previous ruling by a lower court, which had sided with Apple. This decision clears the way for Ireland to collect the taxes.
Apple’s funds have been held in an escrow account in Dublin, totaling nearly €13.8 billion. This is the largest antitrust case in history.
Apple maintains it has paid all taxes owed and disputes the claim of illegal state aid. However, the ruling means Apple must now pay the taxes to Ireland.
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