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To the Point

Apple, Ireland and corporate tax avoidance

This week, the European Union made big news by announcing that Apple owes Ireland $14.5 billion worth of back taxes . Apple, Ireland, the Obama Administration and Congress all said that was wrong. Why does Apple have to pay taxes there? It's American law.

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By Warren Olney • Sep 1, 2016 • 1 min read

This week, the European Union made big news by announcing that Apple owes Ireland $14.5 billion worth of back taxes. Apple, Ireland, the Obama Administration and Congress all said that was wrong. Why does Apple have to pay taxes there? It's American law. US companies can find tax havens overseas, and Irish taxes are one third of what they are here. Despite its shiny image, critics say, Apple's no different than Anheuser-Busch, Google, Starbucks or Burger King. Apple says it's taking advantage of “legal incentives,” and Washington says that's okay. But, what's the cost to small business, the middle class and the poor?

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    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

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    Jenny Hamel

    KCRW

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    Katie Cooper

    Producer, 'One year Later'

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    Evan George

    Director of Content, News

  • KCRW placeholder

    James Kanter

    New York Times

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    Chris Matyszczyk

    Howard Raucous / CNET

  • KCRW placeholder

    James Henry

    Tax Justice Network

    NewsNationalPolitics
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