Apple Slapped with £136 Million Tax Bill After Extensive Audit in Britain

Apple has been ordered to pay £136 million in taxes after an “extensive audit” was conducted by HM Revenue and Customs, Britain’s tax collector.

According to the BBC, the company’s British subsidiary (Apple Europe) has agreed to comply with “corporate income tax adjustment.” The tax covers the years leading up to September 26th, 2015.

In a statement, the company said it’s committed to paying its fair share of tax. “We know the important role that tax payments play in society,” commented Apple.

“Apple pays all that we owe according to tax laws and local customs in the countries where we operate.”

The firm explained that HMRC has just completed a review of its British accounts. “As a multinational business and the largest taxpayer in the world, Apple is regularly audited by tax authorities around the world,” said the firm.

“HMRC recently concluded a multiyear audit of our UK accounts and the settlement we reached with HMRC is reflected in our recently filed accounts.”

Apple added that this tax sum “reflects the company’s increased activity”. It said: “As a result of this adjustment, the company’s corporate income tax payments will increase going forward.”

In the past, Apple has been criticised over taxation. And currently, it’s embroiled in a bitter battle with the European Commission, which has ordered the company to pay a hefty €13 billion tax sum.

The Commission has slammed the Irish Government’s decision to give Apple a hefty tax break. It’s been paying Ireland 1 percent of corporation tax.

In 2016, European Union officials accused Ireland of providing illegal tax relief to Apple. The tech giant is currently paying the sum, but Ireland is fighting the decision.

At the time, Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said: “Member states cannot give tax benefits to selected companies – this is illegal under EU state aid rules,” said Commissioner Margrethe Vestager.

She added: “The Commission’s investigation concluded that Ireland granted illegal tax benefits to Apple, which enabled it to pay substantially less tax than other businesses over many years.”

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