Apple tax ruling: ‘Member states cannot give unfair tax benefits’

European competition commissioner Margarethe Vestager didn’t hold back in her criticisms of Ireland and Apple in her statement on the findings of the investigation into alleged breaches of state aid rules and their implications

THE European Commission has today adopted a decision that Apple’s tax benefits in Ireland are illegal.

Two tax rulings granted by Ireland have artificially reduced Apple’s tax burden for over two decades in breach of EU state aid rules. Apple now have to repay the benefits worth up to €13bn plus interest.