bells

gwydion said:

adrayven said:

gwydion said:

The Commission declared that tax rates on European profits were illegally low at 0.005 percent in 2014, and 1 percent in 2013

No, this is not what the EC declared, what the EC declared illegal is the deal between the Irish Government and Apple for the way the amount of taxable profits in Ireland were calculated for Apple Sales International.

The rate applied was 12.5%,  The problem has never been with the tax rates in Ireland, or the tax rates in Belgium in the latest analog ruling

Incorrect.. The commission never proved their was a 'special' deal.. They only claimed it based on the 'low rates' in those years.. Their case is truly based on the low rates.. Which is why Ireland is largely fighting it, saying EU shouldn't be able to set their rates.

It's believed this move by the EU is a first political move to attempt to force it's will of equalized rates across all countries that are part of the EU.. I have a feeling that, while people are poo poo'ing Apple, that soon other countries will soon (Netherlands for example) be in the EU's sights and things will heat up even more.

The irony is; Tim Cook is completely disputing the low rates they claim. Example is Apple says they paid Ireland $400 million (5%) in taxes in 2014; which completely contradicts EU's contention that Apple only paid a $4-5 million (.005%) ... I'm VERY interested in seeing where the EU is getting their low numbers from..

The you should read the Press Release and the ruling.

And the EC has never said that Apple has paid an effective rate of 0.005%

Yes, because a press release is the way to get your facts. 

I have  little idea how much Apple has paid in taxes, but I know the taxes system of Ireland has been in place ever since Apple set up shop over 30 years ago. I read about it when Jobs first came back.

The rate was designed to attract foreign investment, desperately needed in Ireland. Many companies took advantage of the tax laws, and no special deal was set up just for Apple. 

It simply is unfair for the EU to 30 + years later claim Apple has been under paying when it has known for that long Ireland's tax rate and how much companies like Apple paid. This isn't a recent revelation. 

Further, if Ireland set an illegal rate, Ireland should eat the cost not a company following the law.

Moreover, the fight isn't really about the taxes, it is about who gets to collect them. Apple's view is the US is the proper taxing entity.

The instability this precedent sets will destabilize European investment and costs will be passed on to consumers.  

This will validate Britain's decision to leave the EU. 

I think companies like Apple should pay more taxes, but not retroactively. Governments should clarify the tax laws.

sog35 said:

lkrupp said:

Most of these class actions are thrown out. So will this one. My magic eight-ball says so.

Exactly. The only ones winning in these are lawyers who collect a $2k retainer from a couple hundred idiots who think they have a chance for a huge settlement.

Lawyers and Ads are the bain of society.

First, lawyers take these on a contingency fee basis. If they lose, they get nothing and likely have to eat any cost they incur. Second, a settlement in this type of case would likely require Apple to extend the warranty period for this issue, and cover costs for people who paid out of pocket.

dougd said:

I always use Google Maps, wish it was a selectable option on IOS

I suppose you like peanut butter as well. Not sure what your comment has to do with the article.

allmypeople said:

Trump has MAJOR issues.

But SO does Clinton... Arguably worse in many areas. I read Clinton Cash (well reviewed in the left & right press) and it is horrifying. There's lots of smart members on this board. Read the book or google some of the articles about it.

Bottom line: I don't think it's a good idea for Apple to take sides.

Many people probably forgot or don't remember - Jobs was friends with the Clintons. They stayed at his house when they visited their daughter when she attended Stanford.

Further, Jobs put  Al Gore on Apple's board, where he still remains.

allmypeople said:

Trump has MAJOR issues.

But SO does Clinton... Arguably worse in many areas. I read Clinton Cash (well reviewed in the left & right press) and it is horrifying. There's lots of smart members on this board. Read the book or google some of the articles about it.

Bottom line: I don't think it's a good idea for Apple to take sides.

How is it taking sides? Apple usually gives both parties product. It is good for marketing. Out of the two parties, only Trump bashed Apple publicaly, and having Apple's logo appear next to Trumps is likely to controversial. Women, minorities, gay people, and foreigners but its products.

Even some Republicans don't want to appear by Trump.