Apple’s tax crunch leaves Ireland with sour aftertaste

The tech giant’s decision to pay $38 billion in US taxes won’t change things immediately, but may have huge repercussions for Ireland in the long run

One of Apple’s stores in Manhattan: the tech giant has announced it will pay back $38 billion in unpaid taxes Picture: Getty

Apple’s announcement last week that it will pay $38 billion in US taxes as part of a massive onshoring of cash is a bold and deliberate statement. It says a lot about the company - and also about its approach to its ‘Irish problem’. It is likely to further sour relations with Europe, with Ireland at risk of being caught in the crossfire.

The company has now effectively said that all the tax ...