Cash-starved Italy claims Apple owes them €1 billion in taxes, Apple says figgetaboudit

Italian authorities are claiming that Apple owes them money - namely €1 billion in taxes - and they want to collect. Apple, of course, says no way. Manuela D'Alessandro, writing for Reuters:

Apple pays every dollar and euro it owes in taxes and we are continuously audited by governments around the world. The Italian tax authorities already audited Apple Italy in 2007, 2008 and 2009 and confirmed that we were in full compliance with the OECD documentation and transparency requirements. We are confident the current review will reach the same conclusion.

Everyone wants to get more money, everyone wants to keep more money. Pretty much the oldest argument in history. Italy in particular needs euros and needs them badly, and Apple is a big, rich target.

Will Italian auditors find more money to tax? Will Apple prove their compliance? Something in between? Check out the article and then do your best "internet accountant" impression in the comments.

Source: Reuters

Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.