- Meta, X, and LinkedIn are appealing a VAT claim by Italy that could impact EU tax policy.
- This is Italy’s first judicial tax trial against tech companies without a settlement.
- The case focuses on whether free user registrations are taxable transactions.
- Italy claims 887.6 million euros from Meta, 12.5 million euros from X, and 140 million euros from LinkedIn.
- The Italian approach could affect many companies offering free services in exchange for data.
- The issue is sensitive due to EU-US trade tensions.
- Meta disagrees with VAT on providing access to online platforms.
- LinkedIn has no comment, and X did not respond.
- Italy may seek an advisory opinion from the European Commission.
- The trial process could take an average of 10 years.
- Italy’s Economy Ministry and Revenue Agency declined to comment.
Source: channelnewsasia.com
Note that this post was (partially) written with the help of AI. It is always useful to review the original source material, and where needed to obtain (local) advice from a specialist.
