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Apple paid 40% of its global taxes to Ireland in last fiscal year - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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Apple paid 40% of its global taxes to Ireland in last fiscal year

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on August 21, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: August 21, 2026

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Apple Paid 40% of Its Global Taxes to Ireland in 2024, Filing Shows

Apple's Tax Payments and Legal Disputes in Ireland

Apple's 2024 Tax Contribution to Ireland

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.

Breakdown of the Tax Payment

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.

Background: Ireland and Apple's Legal Battle with the EU

Ireland's Defense of Its Tax Regime

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.

EU's Accusations Against Ireland

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's Global Tax Liabilities

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)

Key Takeaways

  • Apple’s payment of $17.1 billion to Ireland represented about 40% of its $43.2 billion global income taxes in FY2025 (apple.com)
  • The high amount stems from a 2024 EU top‑court ruling that upheld a 2016 European Commission decision requiring Apple to pay €13 billion in back taxes to Ireland for illegal state aid (rte.ie)
  • Ireland’s defense of its tax regime was tied to maintaining attractiveness for U.S. multinationals, but the ECJ ruling marks a major shift in EU enforcement of tax fairness (gov.ie)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did Apple pay in taxes to Ireland in 2024?
Apple paid Ireland $17.1 billion in taxes during its last fiscal year.
What percentage of Apple's global tax bill went to Ireland?
Around 40% of Apple’s worldwide tax payments were made to Ireland in the last fiscal year.
Why was Apple's tax payment to Ireland significantly higher last year?
The amount included €13 billion ($15.18 billion) in back taxes that Apple was ordered to pay by the EU's top court.
What was the total global income tax paid by Apple in the fiscal year ending September 2025?
Apple paid $43.2 billion in income taxes worldwide during the fiscal year ending September 2025.
What was the European Commission's accusation regarding Ireland and Apple?
In 2016, the European Commission accused Ireland of granting Apple illegal tax benefits, unfairly diverting investment.

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