Italy is asking tech giant, Google to pay 1 billion euros in unpaid taxes and penalties.
This claim covers the years 2018 to 2022.
A spokesperson for Google said the company follows tax rules in all countries where it operates, including Italy, and is cooperating with the authorities.
The investigation began in December 2022. It follows a previous 2017 case where Google paid 306 million euros because it was considered to have a permanent presence in Italy through its employees.
This time, the claim is based on Google’s digital infrastructure in Italy, which helps the company operate and make money there. This is similar to a recent tax settlement Italy had with Netflix.
Italy’s Revenue Agency may either settle with Google or take the matter to court. If a settlement is reached, this approach might be used for other big web companies being examined by Milan prosecutors.
