Belgian tax breaks that cut bills up to 90% ruled illegal

About 35 mostly European multinationals, including the world’s largest brewers, have received illegal tax breaks that cut their bills by up to 90% in Belgium, according to the European Commission.

The Belgian tax scheme is the latest to be rejected as illegal state aid by the Commission that is also investigating Ireland’s arrangement with Apple, in a case that is running on much longer than expected.

Last week Finance Minister Michael Noonan said it appeared the decision on Ireland’s tax deal with Apple would now be given after the election.