Apple Settles $17.1 Billion Irish Tax Bill Amid Ongoing EU Dispute

DUBLIN, Aug 21 (Reuters) – Apple paid Ireland $17.1 billion in taxes last year, representing around 40% of its total worldwide tax obligations, according to a company filing that detailed the iPhone maker’s global tax liabilities country-by-country.

Apple stated the payment to Ireland was “significantly higher” than income taxes accrued during the period, as it included €13 billion ($15.18 billion) in back taxes mandated by the European Union’s top court in 2024.

Ireland had contested the EU’s back-tax ruling alongside Apple for eight years, defending its position as a preferred European base for U.S. multinationals and the substantial tax revenues generated by such arrangements.

In 2016, the European Commission’s then-competition chief, Margrethe Vestager, accused Ireland of providing Apple with illegal state aid, thereby unfairly attracting investment at the expense of other EU member states.

Apple reported paying $43.2 billion in income taxes globally during the fiscal year ending in September 2025.

(Reporting by Graham Fahy; Editing by Muvija M)

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