Apple hit with tax bombshell

Apple has been told to pay a €13bn ($14.35bn) tax bill following a ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The European Commission had previously ordered Apple to repay this amount in 2016, citing that Irish tax arrangements had “artificially” lowered Apple’s tax burden, violating state aid rules. Despite appeals from both Apple and the Irish government, the ECJ confirmed the Commission’s ruling, stating, “On appeal, the Court of Justice sets aside the judgment of the General Court and gives final judgment in the matter.” The €13bn has been held in escrow since 2018, and the case highlights ongoing concerns about tax practices in Ireland, particularly with regard U.S. tech giants.