Apple verdict means £11bn of tax voided

PROFIT BOOST Apple, Inc

TECH giant Apple does not have to repay £11.6billion tax to Ireland, an EU court has ruled.

Ireland was ordered in 2016 to claw back the money after the European Commission said Apple paid as little as 0.005% tax.

Yesterday the EU’s General Court overturned that ruling, saying there was no evidence Apple broke competition rules. The EU could appeal. Apple said: “This case was not about how much tax we pay, but where we are required to pay it.”

Paschal Donohoe, Ireland’s Minister for Finance, said: “The decision... is a vindication of our stance on this matter.”

The European Commission will “reflect on possible next steps”.