J
Jeff Causey
Guest
According to unnamed sources within France’s finance ministry, the country is demanding 1.6 billion euros ($1.76 billion USD) from Google as payment for back taxes owed. The French ministry has not issued an official statement regarding the matter and Google has not responded with an official comment concerning the claim. However, a spokeswoman for Google France has indicated the company believes they have complied with all relevant tax laws in the countries where it operates, including France.
Sources indicate the matter may have been simmering as far back as 2012 when when a claim for 1 billion euros first surfaced. Although companies are usually provided an initial assessment and the ability to negotiate, France’s Finance Minister Michel Sapin has apparently determined no such deal will be struck given the amount at stake. With no deal, Google may have to challenge the claim in court if they want to fight it.
The news comes on the heels of a settlement Google reached with the British government. In that country, Google ended up paying a settlement of 130 million pounds ($181 million USD). That deal has been criticized by some British lawmakers as too small relative to the amount that was originally owed for taxes dating back to 2005.
source: Reuters
via: Engadget
Come comment on this article: Google owes France $1.76 billion for back taxes
Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more!
News via TalkAndroid