The European Commission
has defended its right to probe the tax arrangements offered to
companies by individual countries ahead of the possible announcement
next week of a formal state-aid investigation into Ireland and the Netherlands.
The Department of Finance and other authorities in Dublin have
furnished the commission with details of tax arrangements entered into
with particular companies over the last few months as part of the EU
body’s ongoing examination of state aid. An update is expected from
Brussels next Wednesday.
While the disclosure by computer giant Apple last year that it had
profited from a special 2 per cent rate offered by Ireland is believed
to have prompted the enquiry, the commission is only permitted to
investigate tax rulings arranged with companies in the last 10 years.
This could be particularly relevant to internet and social media firms
which established presences here over the last decade.
In Brussels yesterday, a spokesman for European Competition
commissioner Joaquín Almunia said the commission had been
“information-gathering” for months from certain member states.
EU prepares for official tax-deal inquiry - Economic News | Ireland & World Economy Headlines |The Irish Times - Sat, Jun 07, 2014
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