EC Will Take €13 Billion Apple Tax Case to EU's Top Court

After losing a hearing earlier this year, the European Commission announced it would take tax claim against Apple to the European Union’s top court. Executive Vice President and Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager said the appeal against the European General Court’s decision would be filed with the European Court of Justice.

Ec is making a claim on grounds of perceived errors of law in the judgement in July, which cleared Apple of a bill of €13 billion the EC claimed it owed in back taxes. The row dates back to a EC decision against Apple in 2016, which alleged the iPhone manufacturer benefited from illegal state aid and tax breaks in the Republic of Ireland. Announcing the upcoming appeal, Vestager said that all companies pay their fair share of tax remains a top priority for the Commission.

“We have to continue to use all tools at our disposal to ensure companies pay their fair share of tax. Otherwise, the public purse and citizens are deprived of funds for much needed investments, the need for which is even more acute now to support Europe’s economic recovery. We need to continue our efforts to put in place the right legislation to address loopholes and ensure transparency,“ added Vestager.