EU court backs Google in case over Hungary tax declaration fines

World+Biz

Reuters
03 March, 2020, 04:05 pm
Last modified: 03 March, 2020, 04:08 pm
The court found that this system of fining in reality only applied to taxpayers not resident in Hungary. Hungarian entities could be fined, but at lesser amounts
The logo of Google is seen in Davos, Switzerland Januar 20, 2020. Picture taken January 20, 2020/ Reuters

Hungary's system of fines imposed on Google related to the country's tax on advertising is not compatible with EU law, the Court of Justice of the European Union said on Tuesday.

The ruling of the EU's top court concerned Google Ireland's failure to comply with an obligation to submit a tax declaration in Hungary to establish its liability to the Hungarian advertising tax. Google was subject to fines that rose to 1 billion forints ($3.29 million).

The court found that this system of fining in reality only applied to taxpayers not resident in Hungary. Hungarian entities could be fined, but at lesser amounts.

The court concluded that this difference of treatment was disproportionate and unjustified and constituted a restriction on the freedom to provide services within the European Union. ($1 = 303.6600 forints)

Related Topics

google

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.