Amazon could be hit by online sales tax under UK business rates review

Amazon sales in the UK soared by 51% to almost £20bn (€22.8bn) last year as lockdown restrictions buoyed the e-commerce giant

Amazon saw profits in the UK rise to almost £20 billion last year. Picture: Nick Ansell/PA

Amazon and other internet retail giants could be hit with an online sales tax in a move designed to claw back money the UK owes after heavy borrowing during the pandemic.

Treasury sources confirmed British Chancellor Rishi Sunak is considering targeting companies that have done well out of the pandemic in order to pay back UK Government debts incurred while supporting industries through the coronavirus crisis.