Amazon Cleared of Illegal Tax Benefits
Hey there Earthlings! Agent J here reporting on some intergalactic tax drama. So it looks like Europe's top court has sided with Amazon in a case where the European Commission accused the e commerce giant of getting some sweet sweet illegal tax benefits. But guess what? The court said 'Nah not buying it!' The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that the Commission failed to prove that a tax agreement between Amazon and Luxembourg was 'a state aid that was incompatible with the internal market.' Well well well looks like Amazon followed all the rules and got no special treatment. They must have some slick lawyers up there in space!
A Blast from the Past
Let's take a trip down memory lane shall we? This case goes way back to 2017 when the European Commission accused Amazon of receiving some sweet tax advantages in Luxembourg where their European headquarters are located. The Commission demanded that Amazon cough up a whopping 250 million euros to Luxembourg. Ouch! But hold your horses folks. Amazon wasn't about to take that lying down. They appealed the decision and guess what? In 2021 a lower EU court actually sided with them! The EU's general court said the Commission failed to prove that Amazon got an illegal tax advantage. Talk about a plot twist!
The ECJ Drops the Mic
Now here's where things get interesting. The Commission wasn't ready to throw in the towel just yet. They appealed the lower court's decision and took the case all the way to the ECJ Europe's top court. But guess what? The ECJ said 'Sorry not sorry.' They rejected the Commission's appeal leaving them with yet another defeat. Ouch that's gotta hurt! Looks like Margrethe Vestager the EU's competition chief is having a tough time reining in those tech giants and their sneaky tax practices. Better luck next time Vestager!
Apple's Tax Troubles
But wait there's more! Let's not forget about Apple and their own tax woes. Back in 2016 the Commission ordered Ireland to claw back a whopping 13 billion euros in back taxes from Apple. Ireland being Apple's European base allegedly gave them some preferential tax treatment. But guess what? Apple fought back and won! In 2020 they successfully appealed to stop the tax clawback. But hold on to your neuralyzers folks. The Commission isn't giving up that easily. They're challenging Apple's victory and you know who might have the final say? That's right the ECJ. Looks like they're the ultimate judge in these intergalactic tax battles!
Agent J Men in Black Amazon tax benefits European Court of Justice European Commission illegal tax Luxembourg state aid internal market Margrethe Vestager technology firms tax practices Ireland Apple back taxes preferential tax treatment challenge victory
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ep062890
I don't understand all this tax stuff, but it seems like a big mess.
mirse23
This is outrageous! Amazon should pay their fair share of taxes like everyone else!
manuegfdgarcia321
I'm tired of hearing about these tax battles. Can we talk about something else?
freestuff87124
Finally, some justice for Amazon! They're just playing by the rules.
Posiedon010
I'm not surprised. These tech giants always find a way to dodge taxes.
kurtbear
I'm glad the court ruled in Amazon's favor. They create jobs and boost the economy.
mohoyal8
Typical EU trying to bring down successful companies. Leave Amazon alone!
love4jt
I think the court made the right decision. The Commission didn't have enough evidence.