Apple paid 40% of its global taxes to Ireland in last fiscal year

DUBLIN, Aug 21 (Reuters) - Apple paid Ireland $17.1 billion in taxes last year, representing around 40% of its worldwide total, according to a company filing that detailed the iPhone maker's global tax liabilities country-by-country.

Apple said the amount paid to Ireland was "significantly higher" than income taxes accrued as it included €13 billion ($15.18 billion) in back taxes that it was ordered to pay Ireland by European Union's top court in 2024.

Ireland fought the EU back-tax bill alongside Apple for eight years, seeking to defend its position as the location of choice for U.S. multinationals in Europe - and the billions of euros in direct and indirect taxes they bring in each year.

In 2016, the European Commission's competition chief at the time, Margrethe Vestager, accused Ireland of having granted Apple illegal tax benefits, unfairly diverting investment away from other countries.

Apple paid $43.2 billion in income taxes worldwide in the fiscal year that ended in September 2025.

($1 = 0.8562 euros)

(Reporting by Graham Fahy; Editing by Muvija M)